Ray Lynn Ward

North Ogden – Ray Lynn Ward, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather has been reunited with his eternal wife, Shirley Ann Visser Ward. I left this phase of life on August 22, 2025; at the age of 89 years 22 days. I leave behind my lovely wife and eternal friend Gloria Jean Harvey Ward.

I was born July 31, 1936, in Ogden Utah to Kenneth L. and Marie E. Noorda Ward, the second of five children. I had an older brother, Leland, and three younger sisters, Dawna, Marilyn, and Kathleen. I grew up and lived most of my life in the Ogden area. I attended Lorin Farr Elementary, Central Jr. High, and Ogden High School. I continued my education at Weber State College and the University of Utah obtaining a master's degree in chemical engineering.

While attending Weber State, I met my first wife, Shirley, who was working in the library. We were married and sealed together on June 10, 1958, in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. We had four wonderful children: David, Lynda, Neil, and Shirllyn. We enjoyed 47 loving and happy years together until her death on September 14, 2005.

I was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I served in many callings throughout my life including Stake Missionary, Elders Quorum President, Seventy, Scout Master, High Priest Group Leadership, Ward Membership Clerk, and several teaching positions. Shirley and I served as Ogden Temple workers for several years. While working at the temple we met and became friends with Gaynard and Gloria Harvey.

After graduation from the University of Utah, I went to work as a Chemical Engineer at Hill Air Force Base. Within a few short months, I was called by my friends and neighbors to serve in the military (I was drafted). After basic training and because of my engineering degree, I was assigned to the Army Chemical Center in Edgewood, Maryland where I completed my military obligation. Upon returning to the Ogden area, Shirley and I purchased a home in North Ogden where I lived for the remainder of my life. At the same time, I returned to Hill Air Force Base where I continued my career. I moved through several engineering positions and then into management. I retired after 35 years of government service.

I became somewhat of a “Jack of All Trades” around the home. I loved working in the yard, building fences, a playhouse for the girls and a skyfort for the boys. I also finished the basement and added an addition to our home. Yard work was my favorite, especially in my wonderful rose gardens.

After the death of Shirley in 2005, I made contact with Gloria, whose husband had died several years earlier. The original intent was to find out how one could live alone after years of marriage. It quickly became going to lunch, a movie, or a concert. Friendship turned into love which resulted in our marriage on May 6, 2006. The marriage was performed by Gaynard’s son who was an LDS Bishop at the time. We spent many happy years together. We encouraged each other and took care of each other. Our time together as husband and wife was remarkable and full of love and devotion.

I am survived by those I love. My wife Gloria, North Ogden; four children, David (Camille Doxey) Ward, North Ogden, Lynda (Douglas) Evers, Corralitas, CA, Neil (Salena Loosli) Ward, West Haven, Shirllyn (Steve) Vise, Ogden; seventeen grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren with two on the way; sisters-in-law, Adele (Milt) Flinders and Sheila Visser; brother-in-law, Jay Crawford; Gloria’s family, sisters, Kay Walker and Fran Lund, and brother, Mike (Sally) McFarland; sons Roger (Holli) Sowerby, South Ogden, Richard (Linda) Sowerby, Mesquite, NV; five Sowerby grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Gaynard’s family, James H. (Jane) Harvey, South Ogden, Gayliann Harvey, Studio City, CA; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

I was proceeded in death by my wife, Shirley, my parents, my older brother Leland, and his wife Sharen, my younger sisters Marilyn Ward, Dawna Hastie, Kathleen Crawford. I outlived them all. Also proceeded in death by my in-laws, Cornelius and Anna Visser (Shirley’s parents), Neil and Diane Visser, Ralph Visser, and Carl and Annalee Visser, Gloria’s mother, Ida H. McFarland, brother Reid McFarland, and brother-in-law Dennis Walker.

At my request, there will be no viewing or funeral service. A brief graveside service will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ben Lomond Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Temple Construction Fund or the Primary Children’s Hospital.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Greg Almony for all the extra years we had with Ray, and the Applegate Medical and Hospice care team (his nurses Sarah and Josie and aide Kami) for their loving care of Ray over the last 3 months.

“And that’s it” …

RAY