Mary Josephine Ward

Mary Jo was born on January 14, 1951, in Alexandria, Louisiana to Elby Arleene Adams, and Charles Clifford Goree, Jr. Mary Jo’s childhood was spent in Louisiana, then later moved to Golden, CO where she graduated from Golden High School and met her husband, Marty Jim Ward. Mary Jo and Marty built a family with three children, and eventually moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. After her husband passed in 1995, Mary Jo returned to Colorado to be closer to family where she lived throughout her days in Arvada.

Mary Jo spent much of her life building and sustaining a home, lovingly supporting her family as a wife, mother, and grandmother. Although she suffered great losses and faced numerous challenges throughout her life, her resilience and dedication were her primary force of stability for her children and grandchildren until her last days. Mary Jo spent her free time reading, working on crafts, or enjoying her favorite television programs when she was not dedicating attention to her family. She will undoubtedly be remembered for her compassion, generosity, independence, firm convictions, and remarkable resilience in facing life's difficulties. Mary Jo’s family recognizes her passion for mythical fairies, as she has amassed an extensive collection featuring hundreds of figurines.

Mary Jo is survived by her two children, Jason S. Ward, and Lisa M. Elder (Jeff); her six grandchildren, Karyn Ward, Jonathan Ward, Haylee Downey, Leah Downey, and Caiden Ward; her Step Grandchildren Gwendolyn Leidy (Craig), Aidan Elder, and Violet Elder; her three step-great-grandchildren; her sisters Elby Montez Fairchild (Sonny) and Karen Roman (Mike) and her niece Montez Denise Finnel Skelton (Derek).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elby Arlene Adams, and Charles Clifford Goree, Jr., her husband, Marty Jim Ward, and her son, Jeffery Paul Ward.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service which will take place at Crown Hill Cemetery in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, on Friday, May 8, at 1:00PM. Vehicles should meet at Gathering Marker B just past the main building entrances. Mary Jo has requested that a traditional reception not take place after the service.

Following the service, we will be heading to Mickey’s Steakhouse, for a casual no-host gathering. We invite you to share stories, laugh, and smile in memory of Mary Jo. The reservation at Mickey’s Top Sirloin (also known as Mickey’s Steakhouse) is set for 2:30 PM, at 6950 Broadway, Denver, CO 80221.