Marlene Ward

Marlene Louise Ward, age 60, of Milbank, SD, gained her Heavenly wings on Thursday, October 11, 2018.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Milbank. Father Gary DeRouchey will be the celebrant and a private burial will be held at the St. Lawrence Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 17, 2018, at Mundwiler Funeral Home, from 5-7 p.m. A rosary and prayer vigil will be held at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church on Thursday one hour prior to the Funeral Mass. The family has requested casual attire.

Born in Webster, SD, to parents Daniel S. Ewalt and Genevieve M. Snaza. She was raised on a farm in Grenville, SD, with her five siblings. Marlene attended a secretarial school in Aberdeen, SD, before moving to Milbank. There, she met the love of her life, Rob Ward, and raised a family she couldn’t be more proud of. Marlene held a variety of jobs, but her favorite was WORLD’S BEST GRANDMA. This was the highlight of her life. There was nothing she enjoyed more than attending the countless basketball and softball games, dance recitals and music concerts of her dearest granddaughters. She found joy in watching her grandson play, grow, and learn every day.

Marlene put others first, without a second thought, unless they were on her slot machine. Her family was paramount to all other concerns, and even in her last wishes, she wanted to ease our pain. Her kindness and spirit lives on in all who show empathy and compassion. She was an active and faithful member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 35 years, Rob Ward of Milbank, SD; four children: Brian (Yi Mon) Ward of Rochester, MN; Amy Ward of Brookings, SD; Bradley Ward of Milwaukee, WI; and Abby Ward of whoever’s house she is staying with at the time. She also leaves behind her four-favorite people, her grandchildren: Amari, Amia, and Amya Ward of Brookings, SD; and Orion Ward of Rochester, MN. Also, to note, her grand-dog, Zoey Ward of Brookings, SD, who is now gaining the loving acceptance of Rob.

Also, cherishing her memory is her mother, Genevieve Ewalt of Grenville, SD; her siblings: Rosie (Kenny) Okroi of Grenville, SD; Kenny Ewalt of Grenville, SD; Karen (Rob) Kelly of Mandan, ND; Charlie (Jayne) Ewalt of Watertown, SD; and Nancy (Dallas) Hagen of Oakes, ND.

Her father, Daniel Ewalt, extended his hand to welcome her into Heaven.