WARD, MARY LOIS (HOOSER)

It is with great sadness that the family of Mary Lois Ward mourns the loss of the heart of our family; beloved sister, mother, aunt and grandmother, on October 4, 2020 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was 88.

Mary was the daughter of L.C. and Mary Nell (Beeman) Hooser, born April 2, 1932 in Francis, Oklahoma. She grew up in Francis and Sapulpa with her two younger siblings, Charles and Dorothy June. She graduated from Francis High School in 1949.

She was happily married to Bill Ward for 52 years and together they owned and managed businesses and property in Sapulpa, where they were lifelong members of the community including Ridgeway Baptist Church. They had many adventures traveling and often spent winters in Arizona where they made enduring friendships.

Mary's greatest joy was her family, especially being the proud and loving mother of her son Davis and doting grandmother to Chris, Elliott, Jordan and Abby. She was very involved in all their activities and they spent many happy weekends with their Mammaw.

Our greatest joy was standing in the light of her extraordinary love, kindness and positivity. She always found something good or hopeful in any situation or person, showing us how to listen to our better selves. Mary was a woman of quiet but solid faith who lived her convictions every day of her life with humility, loving kindness and selflessness. Even in her difficult later years when her health was failing, she never complained, constantly thanked those caring for her and putting others first to the very end. She was a remarkable human being who will be missed by all who were lucky enough to know her.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, William B. Ward, her brother Charles Hooser, and her nephew Jeff Chuculate. She is survived by her sister and best friend Dorothy June Chuculate of Sapulpa, her son Davis Ward and wife Diane of Tulsa, grandsons Chris Ward and wife China of Raleigh, North Carolina, Elliott Poston of Dallas, Texas, Jordan Ward of Tulsa and granddaughter Abby Ward of Tulsa, as well as nieces Jill White of Ft. Worth, Texas, Annalee Dudley of Dallas, Texas, Hedy Ward of Paris, Texas, and nephew Colvin Hooser of Lansing, Kansas.

Burial will be private and a virtual memorial service will be available online.