Lois H. Ward

Lois H. Ward of Boulder, Colorado died at home on August 22, 2025. She was born, Lois Ann Hanewald, in Plainfield, New Jersey on November 4, 1936 to Lillian Starck Hanewald and Thomas E. Hanewald. She is survived by one brother, Thomas J. Hanewald, of Seneca, SC.

Lois was a true Jersey Girl and adored summertime at her family’s beach house in Lavallette, NJ with her brother Tommy and her aunts, uncles and cousins. Her love of the surf and seafood remained with her ever since. Her affinity for sweet treats also lasted a lifetime. Her big smile widened when recounting her Grandfather’s bakery and the stack of string-wrapped boxes of goodies her dad brought home at night.

Lois and her husband, Gordon Ward, who survives her, met on a blind date in Philadelphia, PA in 1958. Lois finished her Social Work degree at Arcadia University and worked for the Lutheran Children’s Bureau, placing children in foster homes, while Gordon prepared for ordination after finishing seminary at The Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. Lois and Gordon cherished their 65 years of marriage. Together they enjoyed nature, traveled widely, cared deeply for others, and always supported each other’s hobbies and creative interests. Their faith in a loving God centered their lives together. Lois never wore her faith on her sleeve but lived it through her love and actions toward others.

Lois and Gordon hold dear their 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Karen Ward of Arvada, Colorado, Kristin Ward FitzGerrell, and her husband, Brian, of Denver, CO and Paul Ward of Lafayette, CO followed by the second wave of beloved offspring, Isaac Ward of Fort Morgan, CO, Joseph Ward of Fort Morgan, CO, Kate FitzGerrell of Brooklyn, NY, Jack FitzGerrell of Denver, CO, and Emma FitzGerrell of Denver, CO. Lois was a hands-on and heartful mother and grandmother. She beamed with pride at her grandchildren’s creative pursuits, love of music, art and good food, and their kindness toward others. They all feel so blessed to have had such a special Grammie.

Lois was a devoted, lifelong art student and the generosity of her own artistic spirit was evident through her work and teaching. A serious and accomplished watercolorist, she painted for nearly 50 years. Her paintings have been shown in numerous galleries and are included in private collections in the US and abroad. She was active in art organizations in Boulder and Ann Arbor, Michigan where the Ward family lived from 1974-1981. Lois taught art in both the Boulder and Ann Arbor Public School systems. Throughout her career she loved to share her knowledge, painting skills and passion for art with many adult students as well.

Throughout her life Lois loved people and they loved her. She didn’t encounter strangers; Everyone was a friend. She instantly found common ground and shared her contagious spark without reservation. Lois was especially drawn to people on the fringes and made sure everyone felt special, and worthy of love, with no exceptions.

Lois will continue to inspire us to care deeply and share generously. Donations may be made to the following organizations she supported: The Gathering Place, 1535 High St, Denver, CO 80218 and The New Beginnings Worshipping Community, a Lutheran congregation located inside of the Denver Women’s Correctional Facility, c/o Highlands Lutheran Church, 4500 Wadsworth Blvd, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.