St. George, Utah - Mary "Maurine" Kelson Ward, at the age of 86, left her earthly sojourn here having traveled well and touched many, on Wednesday, September 2, 2020. Maurine was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 27, 1934 to Arvel Eugene Kelson and Velma Emily Christensen Kelson. Maurine was one of seven children - including four sisters and two brothers.

Maurine first saw Wayne at the hot dog stand and knew she was going to marry him. Maurine was married and sealed to Milton "Wayne" Ward in the Salt Lake Temple in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Her first great adventure was moving from family in Salt Lake City Utah for Wayne's employment to Seattle, Washington. This journey included Maurine, Wayne and their children, Brian and Susan. They loved their life in the Pacific Northwest and welcomed three more children to the family, Michael, Reed and Darin. She was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. Her first love was serving in the Primary with the children of her ward. Through her service there, she made many lifelong friends. Many more adventures were to follow throughout her life.

Maurine and Wayne loved to dance with their square dance group, the "Roadrunners". She loved to cook and was always willing to try new things. She was considered a great cook by others. She was a loving mother and would invite her children to bring friends into their home. Many times, the children's friends would ask to go there to hang out. When questioned why, they replied "because your mom is there, she is fun to be with". There would always be neighbors in the Ward home too.

Maurine is survived by her children: Brian Wayne Ward (Valerie Jex), Susan Maurine Smith (Kelly Wayne), Michael Eugene Ward (Starlene Hehr), Reed Brandon Ward (Mary Ann Strandberg) and Darin Scott Ward; and her siblings: Beverly Webber (Chic), Arvel "Kelly" Kelson, Ron Kelson (Janet), DiAnn Thompson, and Robin Valerio (Steve).

Maurine was preceded in death by her parents, Arvel and Velma Kelson; her husband, M. Wayne Ward; her son, Reed Brandon Ward; and her sister, Rae Lynn Kelson. She is the grandmother of 14, great-grandmother of 29 and great-great-grandmother of 2.

As a mother and grandmother, Maurine was loved and will be greatly missed but long remembered. Families are truly forever, and we will see her again someday.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, September 11, 2020 at Metcalf Mortuary in St. George, Utah. Interment will be in Bellevue, Washington at Sunset Memorial Park alongside her husband, Wayne.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that your expressions of love be added to the website above as Maurine will not be interred here in Utah. Flowers will not be able to travel with her.

The family wishes to thank all those family members who are able to attend in the Utah and Washington services. We also recognize those who are not able to attend due to health concerns at this time. You will be missed, but your love will be felt. We also want to thank Applegate Hospice for the help mom and her caregivers received these last few months. They brightened her day and lifted her spirits as well as taking care of her daily needs physically.

M.Maurine Ward Service Program