Clara Mae Ward

She was born November 7,1927, to Willam and Annabelle Dawson Ford, in Pueblo, Colorado. Clara Mae had five siblings, Bill, John, Maxine, Betty and Ellen. She was very proud to be a descendant of Irish heritage. Her grandfather immigrated to the United States from Tipperary Ireland.

She married Joe Ward on January 30, 1943, in Collbran. Six children were born into this union, Joe, Bob, Vel, Edie, Ruth and Sue. She instilled in her children to work hard and overcome obstacles.

Clara Mae was the dietary manager for Plateau Valley School and the Plateau Valley Nursing Home for many years. She also worked as a cook at the Pink Bull Restaurant.

Everyone can attest her cinnamon rolls were legendary. Many locals and family were the recipient of her wonderful bread, pies, cakes, cookies and jams.

Working in her yard, gardening, sewing, walking, and fishing were among Clara Mae’s favorite ways to spend the day. She loved to try new foods and adventures. She hiked Mount Garfield and Crag Crest Trail in her seventies.

She loved watching her hummingbirds on her multiple feeders making sure the syrup never ran out. The hummingbirds can still be seen checking for the feeders each year, just by chance they were filled once again. She also made sure any stray cat or dog had plenty of food and a warm place to sleep.

She was a member of the Collbran Congregational Church and could be seen cooking and serving food until she was in her early nineties.

Clara Mae was very proud of her grandchildren and their accomplishments. She enjoyed traveling to their graduations and weddings. When the grandchildren were visiting when they were small, she took them fishing on Grand Mesa, ice fishing at Vega and sledding.

Clara Mae is survived by her children, Joe Ward of Mesa, Vel Dorau of Denver, Edie Watson of Omaha, and Sue Dillon of Collbran; 14 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. Her son, Bob; daughter, Ruth; and grandson, Lee Ward preceded her in death.

Contributions in Clara Mae's memory may be made to Collbran Congregational Church PO Box 160 Collbran CO 81624, or to HopeWest Hospice at www.hopewestco.org.