Deanna Mae Ward

1937 - 2025

Renton, Washington

Deanna Mae DeFreece/Holtman/Ward, 87, passed away on March 11, 2025, in Renton, Washington at Valley Medical Center.

Born on September 15, 1937, in Centralia, Washington, Deanna began her life with a smile that never faded. She carried that warmth through every chapter of her journey, embracing each new adventure with optimism and resilience.

Deanna built a successful career at Boeing Computing Services, where she worked for 16 years. Starting as a temporary employee, she quickly proved her dedication and skill, earning a permanent position within a year. She steadily advanced through the ranks as a secretary and ultimately worked for the Director before retiring in January 1995 with a golden handshake.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Deanna found joy in cooking, gardening, and playing cards with friends. Her love for family was unwavering, and she cherished every moment spent with them. She faced life's challenges with remarkable strength—none more so than when she overcame cancer without illness from chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Even in times of hardship, she never complained and remained empathetic to those around her.

Deanna is survived by her children Candace Gurney, Debra Hunter, and Fred E. Ward Jr.; grandchildren Timothy Oswin, Lindsey Gurney, Danelle Gurney, Ryan Hunter, Katherine Day, Amber Seymore, Jacob Hunter, and Aaron Ward; and great-grandchildren Sawyer Day, Nyah Rose Seymore, Hazel Oswin, and Finn Oswin.

A memorial service will be held on May 10, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Greenwood Memorial Park & Funeral Home in Renton, Washington. An interment service will follow at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington—where Deanna will be reunited with her beloved husband.

Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.