Dennis Dean Ward

Dennis Dean Ward was born February 21, 1949 in Yakima, Washington to Ruth and Robert Ward. His father Robert was a construction foreman and the job had his family moving every six months. Therefore, Dennis was able to see most of America’s landscape at a young age as he traveled extensively and lived in every state in the union, except Maine.

Dennis met and married Sandra, his wife of 52 years in 1971. Dennis and Sandra met in the halls of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital where they were both beginning their medical careers. Dennis served in the Army as an Operating Room Technician and later graduated from the YVCC Nursing Program in 1976. He spent his career working as a surgical nurse at Memorial Hospital and retired after 35 years.

He loved fishing. If there was water, he fished it. Especially in Alaska, the Klickitat, and the Yakima River Canyon. He also loved camping, skiing, and hiking with friends and family.

His passing came suddenly and we will miss him dearly. He left behind many projects on his workbench, but with them, he left behind all of his bodily aches and pains as he went to be with His Father.

He was preceded in death by his Parents; brothers Dick, Don, and John; his sister Sharon; Niece Laurie; nephews David and Carl; and his sister-in-law Beverly. He is survived by his wife Sandra; sons Kristopher (Marie), Joel (Rachelle), and Korey (Melissa); grandchildren Rebecca, Anthony, Isaac, Emalyn, and Elijah; brother-in-laws Dan and Ron; sister-in-laws Joyce Lane and Carol Ward; nephews Bob, Chad, Zachary, David, Jeremey, and Shane; and his nieces Holly, Serenity, Crystal, Teri, and Leanna. He also leaves a litany of friends and fishing buddies who knew and loved him dearly.

The viewing will be on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at Keith and Keith Funeral Home, 902 West Yakima Ave, Yakima, WA 98902 from 3:30pm to 7:30pm.

The Funeral will be on Friday, January 19, 2024 at the United Christian Church in Terrace Heights, 317 S. 41st Street at 1:00pm with interment to follow at 2:15pm at Terrace Heights Memorial Park. Reception to follow back at United Christian Church at 3:00pm. All family and friends are welcome to join us.

The Ward family would like to thank everyone for the calls, prayers, flowers, and cards that have been sent. The family invites you to show support by sharing any photos and kind words to www.keithandkeith.com for Dennis Dean Ward of Yakima.