Helen (Harris) Ward

Helen Harris Ward, 85, died on April 20, 2024, in her home surrounded by her family. She was born and raised in Preston, Idaho, on October 9, 1938, to Melvin L. and Letha Neeley Harris. In 1957, she graduated from Preston High School.

On March 30, 1962, she married Merlin W. Ward in the Logan Temple. Not one to miss current events, Helen read in the Preston Citizen newspaper that Merlin had just returned from his mission, and she asked his sister Carol to introduce him to her. The rest is history. From the moment they said, 'I do,' Helen and Merlin embarked on an extraordinary adventure, filled with love and devotion, spanning an incredible 62 years of marriage.

Helen pursued her education at the LDS Business College in Salt Lake City, Utah, all while residing in the historic Beehive House. She had a natural knack for finances, demonstrating a thrifty and frugal approach to saving money. She dedicated her entire 34-year career to banking in Utah, starting in Smithfield, then Plain City, and finally settling in Ogden.

One of Helen’s true passions was in music. Her love for music was undeniable. She loved to attend any musical performances especially once they began to involve her grandchildren. She played both the piano and organ, relying mostly on her natural ear for music. Helen was a part of many vocal groups that performed throughout the area. 

Her greatest passion of all was raising a family and being involved in their lives. Being a Mother, Grandmother, Great - Grandmother, and Mother-in-law were titles that she embraced and loved wholeheartedly. She rocked it! So many hours sitting on a bleacher in all types of weather watching and supporting her family and being their number one fan. It didn’t matter if it was a rodeo, pig show, piano recital, or a sporting event, Helen was going to try and attend as many events as she could to support her family because she didn’t want to be anywhere else.

During 2001-2002, Helen and Merlin dedicated their time to serving an Ogden Inter-City mission, fostering numerous cherished friendships along the way. Their shared love for temple service was a cornerstone of their weekly routine, and they prioritized being a blessing to those in need. Helen wasn't afraid of sharing her testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Helen will no doubt be remembered for how she exemplified the principles of Christ-like love. For over 10 years she wrote weekly emails to hundreds of missionaries, family members, and friends, where she sincerely offered love, encouragement, and faith promoting thoughts. She also had a separate email list that received a daily spiritual thought which took her many hours of studying and typing. It will not surprise you that her love language was “acts of service”. Even though her sight limited her in ways she could serve, it never stopped Helen from making a difference. She continued to find ways to serve and was often found singing happy birthday to every sister in her Ward as well as her family.

She was very active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and held many callings in the Relief Society and Primary. Serving in the Primary was a great source of joy for Helen as she loved to help build the faith and testimony of the young children. For the last 10 years, her calling was giving baptism lessons, alongside her husband, to the 8-year-olds in her ward.

Helen’s heart overflowed with love, wrapping everyone who she came in contact within warmth and kindness. Gratitude shined through in every interaction, a reflection of the many blessings we will miss dearly. 

May the legacy of Helen H. Ward continue through the lives she touched, especially in the hearts of her 6 children, 18 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and 1 on the way, that she was so proud of and adored. 

She is survived by her children: Darren (Julie), Rodney (Midge), Suzanne (Marco), Eric (Jenna), Pamela (David), and Brett (Jenny).

She is also survived by her siblings; Owen (Gloria) Harris, Aileen Jackson, and Ann (Marc) Nielsen. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Arlo Ward (LoRaine), sisters-in-law Carol (Lyle) Henderson, Lucille (Larry) Wilkinson, and Anna Mae Ward.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Merlin Ward, parents Melvin and Letha Harris, brother, Leo N Harris, and daughter-in-law Cheryl Whitehead Ward. 

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional Dr. Firth and his dedicated team, Sarah and Brooke, for their compassionate and personalized care provided for our mother and our family over the past few months. 

We are immensely grateful for the overwhelming support from family, neighbors, and friends who surrounded our mother with unwavering kindness and assistance.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Missionary or Humanitarian Fund. 

Services will be Friday, April 26th at 10:30 am, with a viewing prior from 9:00 am – 10:00 am at the Farr West 3rd Ward Church located at 1745 N. 2300 West, Farr West, Utah There will also be a viewing on Thursday from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., Ogden, Utah. Internment will be Friday, April 26, at 3:00 pm in the Preston Idaho cemetery,1451 N 800 E Preston, ID 83263.  The service will be recorded and included in her obituary following the ceremony.

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