Esther Johnson Ward

Esther Johnson Ward, 90, died Friday, February 20th 2015 in Annandale, Virginia. She was born November 30, 1924 in Belmont Township, Jackson County, Minnesota. Her mother and father were born in Sweden and emigrated to the United States in 1905. They lived in Iowa until acquiring a 160 acre farm in Lakefield, Minnesota. Eight children were raised on that farm, 4 boys and 4 girls. All graduated from Lakefield High School. Esther graduated from Business College in Minneapolis and then joined the WWII effort in 1944 at the request of the US Navy. She lived in Washington D.C. and worked with the Naval Petroleum Board.

Esther Pauline Johnson married Arthur Taylor Ward, a graduate of the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Arthur was assigned to many duties aboard ship and ashore, having to move the family over 20 times during his active duty period. They particularly enjoyed their tours of duty in Hawaii and Portugal. Many times Esther was raising their three daughters by herself, making sure that they had a wonderful childhood filled with music, dance and sports.

In 1967, the family settled down in Annandale, VA and lived there to date. Esther is survived by her husband Art and daughters: Cindi Bowen and her husband John, Jenny Caro and her husband John, and Jessica Ward; Her four grandchildren: Kirsten, John, Michael and Kelsey; sister Adele and her husband Darrel Hage of Lakefield, MN; plus many nieces and nephews.

At her request, there will be cremation and then at a future date for immediate family, a graveside memorial service in Arlington National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at www.michaeljfox.org or call 1-800-708-7644