Jessie Marie Ward

Jessie Marie Ward, loving daughter, wife, mother and grandmother passed away Saturday, January 2, 2010 at the age of 94. Jessie was born in Ashley, Illinois, to her late parents Berry Lee and Rose Etta Wilson, on July 27, 1916. The family moved to Hatch, New Mexico in 1926, she accepted Jesus as her savior and was baptized at the age of 13. She married Jefferson Terry Ward of Hatch on September 8, 1934. Together they raised 3 children: Vonna Marie, Bonnie Lynn, and James Terry. When James Terry was 16 years old he passed away after a struggle with leukemia. Jessie loved her Lord with all of her heart, which was obvious in everything she did. Her life was devoted to raising her family and working alongside her husband to provide and nurture the family. She taught Sunday School and served on the Women's Missionary board for many years at the Church of God in Hatch. In 1965 she went to work for the Hatch post office and retired as Postmaster in 1979. She and Jeff were avid rock hounds and spent many hours picnicking and camping with family. Her creative side manifested itself in her numerous craft creations which usually became a combined effort. Together they had a particular fondness for counting things. They were even known on occasion to count the number of beans before they were cooked. Jessie and Jeff especially enjoyed outings that involved their treasured grandchildren and great grandchildren. Many a "weenie roast" was had out in the desert hills surrounding Hatch. Time spent with her will forever be a part of the memories of her family. Jessie had an especially witty sense of humor. She loved practical jokes and crosswords, and had the patience of Job to construct countless puzzles over the years. Her precious smile and laughter will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Jessie is survived by her beloved daughters Vonna Marie Sheffield of Victoria, Canada and Bonnie Lynn Russell of Hatch; son-in-law Doyle Kenneth Sheffield; 7 grandchildren: Ken and Fern Sheffield of Alberta, Canada; Scott Sheffield of Lake Havasu City, Arizona; Beth and Vance Riggs of Artesia; Debbie and Bill Palliser of Victoria, Canada; Randal and Ann Russell of Las Cruces; Cheryl and Duane Gillis of Hatch; and Shawn Russell of Las Cruces; and 19 great-grandchildren: Candy Sheffield (28), Terry (26) and Kerry Sheffield, Brett (25) and Randa Riggs, Jessica Riggs (22), Darren (21) and Samantha Gillis; Scotty Sheffield (19), Tyrell Russell (19); Amanda Gillis (18), David Russell (18), Randy Sheffield (17), Eric Palliser (15), Amy Russell (15), Emily Russell (15), Brian Russell (13), Tara Russell (12), Quincy Russell (11), Ashley Russell (9), Daniel Russell (7), and Ethan Russell (5). Jessie was preceded in death by her husband Jeff, parents, older sisters Veva Hake and Leona Jones, son James Terry, and son-in-law Lynn Russell. The graveside service will be held Thursday, January 7, 2010, at 11:00 AM at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Hatch, NM. The service will be officiated by Pastor David White, assisted by the Rev. Jim Woods. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to the Church of God Youth Ministry, PO Box 205, Hatch, NM 87937 or Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 Montana Avenue, Las Cruces, NM 88005. PDF Printable Version