Mary Ethelene Ward

Ethel was born September 6, 1943 in Clayton, New Mexico, the second of four children born to George and Penny Pavletich. In 1953 the Pavletich family moved to McFarland, California. Ethel attended local elementary and high school in the small farming community and developed many close and lasting friendships. Among those most dear was her life long companion Bill Ward to whom she was married fifty years.

Following high school graduation and marriage to Bill (1961) the young couple moved to Bakersfield. While Bill attended Bakersfield College and later Cal Poly, SLO, the young parents balanced busy schedules while caring for their two small children. The years after their return from SLO, Bill and Ethel happily experienced the arrival of the remaining children. For the next 20 plus years, she dutifully fulfilled her demanding role as full time wife to Bill as well as mother to four active children. In 1986, Ethel began employment at Bakersfield College in the financial aid office. Following a twenty year career at BC, she joined Bill in retirement.

Ethel was a strong Christian women and steadfast steward for God. She loved the Lord with all her heart and devoted countless hours in service to her church and community. Ethel possessed unwavering love and support for her husband, children, grandchildren and many close friends.

Ethel was preceded in death by her parents Penny and George Pavletich Sr. and brother George Pavletich, Jr.

Survivors include husband Bill Ward and their daughters Michelle Froehlich(Richard), Deborah Auriemma(Joe), Pam Davis(Leland), and son Bryan Ward(Shelly); grandchildren Brooke Scott, Brett Scott, Michael Auriemma, Adam Auriemma, Grayson Davis, Cameron Davis, Alexis Ward and Andrew Ward.

Additional survivors include brother Neal Pavletich(Lena); sister Carol Wilcox(Hank); sister-in-law Linda Pavletich and numerous nieces and nephews.

Family members would like to acknowledge the tremendous love and exemplary service Ethel received during her treatment at UCLA’s Ronald Reagan Hospital in Los Angeles.

Special thanks to the physicians, nurses and support staff (floor #6) as well as the facility’s outstanding Intensive Care Unit (floor #4).

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held Saturday, April 28th at 1:00 p.m. Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, family requests donations be made in Ethel’s honor to American Cancer Society, Bakersfield College, or Parkside Church.