Kathleen Peggy Ward

Adored wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, sister and friend, Kathleen Peggy Ward (nee Peterson), passed away Sunday, February 12 at Dixie Regional Medical Center in St. George, UT, surrounded by her beloved family. Born May 6, 1939 in Bingham, UT to the late Franklin David and Abbie Smith Peterson, Peggy spent adventurous and simple days in the close-knit town of Copperton, often trailing behind her seven older siblings. After a whirlwind courtship, she married Richard Lynn Ward on July 31, 1959 in Salt Lake City. He continued to woo his new bride throughout their 31-year-marriage. In 1972, Dick and Peggy moved their family of four across the country to build their life in Cary, NC, where they treated friends as family and made a home welcoming to all. An original do-it-yourselfer, Peggy tirelessly worked warm designs into her home and garden while also working part time as a bookkeeper. Peggy served in many church callings including Relief Society President and Gospel Doctrine Teacher, but most enjoyed working with her husband in the Young Single Adults organization before his passing in 1991. Cheered by the addition of eight grandchildren, Peggy spent time prolifically painting and traveling before moving back to Utah, continuing her tradition of making friends everywhere she went. Always a fan of Southern Utah’s red rocks, Peggy made St. George her permanent home in 2005. Peggy was known for her compassionate care, her infectious laugh, her selfless humility, and above all, her devotion to her husband, children and grandchildren. Her legacy for posterity will be an appreciation for God's creations and the eternal value of a loving family. She is survived by her son David R. Ward (Susan) of St. George, UT; and daughter Christy Martschenko (Daniel) of Cary, NC; and niece Holly Ottesen (David) of Orem, UT; as well as her eight adored grandchildren: Jase R. Ward (Addie), R. Justin Martschenko, Abbie M. Martschenko, Sydney L. Anderson (Micah), Alec D. Martschenko, Alexis N. Ward, Evan D. Martschenko and Maya Kate Martschenko. She also leaves behind cherished nieces Kathleen Nelsen (Roger) and Judy Hyde (Philip), brother Robert S. Peterson (Patricia) of Mapleton, UT and many nephews, nieces and their children. And informal memorial will be held Friday, February 17 at 4 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 600 East Telegraph St., Washington, Utah, 84780. Burial at a later date in Pine Forest Memorial Gardens, Wake Forest, NC. During the last eight months of declining health, Peggy relied upon the loving care of her son and daughter-in-law and multiple health care professionals who truly were angels-in-waiting. Her family expresses unending gratitude.

Kathleen Peggy Ward

May 6, 1939 - February 12, 2017