WARD, AFTON CREER – January 9, 1915 – April 2, 2008

Afton Creer Ward passed away April 2, 2008 at the age of 93. Afton was born in Lund, Idaho January 9, 1915 to Morris and Mary Ann Bowen Creer. She had two sisters and three brothers, all of which preceded her in death. She married Owen Delton Ward of Woodruff, Idaho on June 21, 1938 in the Logan LDS Temple. Delton also preceded her in death.

A nephew once noted that she was the last of a dying breed. Indeed she was. She was no stranger to the pains and sorrows of the world. But they were far out numbered by the abounding blessings of love, peace and joy. She thanked God for all of them, bearing the difficulties with patience and long suffering and receiving the blessings with tearful gratitude and joy. Oh that we could all do likewise.

After graduating from Idaho State College, Afton began teaching in the one room school house in Woodruff, Idaho and ending it in the Malad City Schools as a substitute teacher and bus driver. She likely taught every student in Oneida County between 1935 and 1980. Many probably remember her well because she was a no nonsense teacher. Education was a serious issue and she didn’t put up with the mouthy, the slackers or the clowns, and she was not afraid to discipline them.

Her sewing skills were somewhat born of necessity, but honed into an art and ability sought after in the community. Afton was a teacher and seamstress at heart, and beyond the more obvious physical evidence of her school teaching and sewing, she spent her life teaching everyone she met, stitching the fabric of their lives with faith and confidence. Like the Apostle Paul, she was of small stature, but powerful and not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Afton is survived by her five children: three daughters, Anne Ward of Logan, Utah, Carol (Barry) Parkinson of Portage, Utah, Mary Ellen (Larry) Knudsen of Malad, Idaho and two sons, Mark (Debbie) Ward of Orem, Utah, Mike (Jinnene) Ward of West Jordan, Utah. They have thus far provided per posterity of 45 grand and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a foster daughter, Louise (Murphy) Martinez and her husband and children) that graced her home for three years, but blessed her life forever.

Funeral services were April l8, 2008 in the Malad LDS 6th Ward Chapel.