Mary Louise Ward Cheney
February 21, 1945 – August 20, 2025

Mary Louise Ward Cheney

(February 21, 1945 – August 20, 2025)

Pocatello, Idaho – Mary Louise Ward Cheney, 80, passed away peacefully August 20, 2025 at the Caring Hearts Assisted Living Facility in Pocatello, Idaho. She went by her first and middle name, Mary Louise, for most of her life.

Mary Louise was born February 21, 1945 to Golden Clifford and Emma Louise Spencer Ward in Malad City, Idaho. She was educated in the Malad City, Idaho public schools where she graduated from Malad High School in 1963. She played the clarinet in the Malad High School Band.

She then enrolled in and graduated from Utah State University, Logan Utah in 1970 with a major in Elementary Education. She worked in the Utah State University cafeteria to pay for her college education.

Between her Sophomore and Junior years at Utah State University, from March 1967 – September 1968, Mary Louise served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Eastern Canadian Mission.

Upon completion of her college education, she taught elementary school in the Weber County School District, Ogden, Utah; Daggett County School District, Manila Utah; and the Uintah County School District in Vernal, Utah. Later, after spending a few months in Malad, she took up residency in Rock Springs, Wyoming while she taught elementary school in Green River, Wyoming.

After her health failed, she moved back to Malad, Idaho where she diligently served her mother and father in the family residence until their passing. She then rented an apartment and lived in Malad for several years. Ultimately, she was provided residency in Pocatello, Idaho where she resided until her passing.

Mary Louise was gifted in music. She played the piano, organ and clarinet. Besides serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she also served as a Sunday School Organist, Relief Society Teacher and a Visiting Teacher. She enjoyed working on the family farm, especially during haying season where she drove a truck when the hay was being gathered from the fields. Mary Louise was endowed with many Christ-like attributes. She was kind hearted, loving and without guile – always pleasant to be around.

Mary Louise is survived by two brothers; Joseph Golden (Alice) Ward, Ryan Dell (Bobbie) Ward and one sister, Lorene Kay (Carl) Marsing. Also, two sisters-in-law, Helen Wayman Ward and Tracy Budge Ward. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

Mary Louise is proceeded in death by her parents, Golden Clifford and Emma Louise Spencer Ward; three brothers; James Spencer Ward, Richard Allen Ward, Kenneth William Ward; one sister, Carol Dawn Ward and a sister-in-law, Arline Bjorkman Ward.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the employees of the Caring Hearts Assisted Living facility in Pocatello, Idaho.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, August 26, 2025 at 11:00 am at the Horsley Funeral Home, 132 W. 300 N. Malad, Idaho. Funeral services will follow at 12:00 pm at the same funeral home.

After the funeral, internment will occur at the Malad City Cemetery.