Danielle Maya Ward

Danielle Ward, born November 27, 1982, passed away on March 8, 2026. Danielle is Dine’- (Navajo), of the Phelps clan, born for the Red House (Kinłichíí'nii) clan. Her maternal grandfathers are the Utter clan, and her paternal grandfathers are the Cliff Dweller (Tsé Ńjíkiní) clan.

Danielle was a deeply creative soul who brought beauty and warmth into the lives of those around her.

Danielle was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and spent her younger years living on the Navajo reservation. In her teenage years and throughout adulthood, she made her home in Las Vegas, where she was surrounded by family and a circle of dear friends who loved her deeply.

A gifted hairdresser and artist at heart, she loved crafting, painting, sewing, and woodworking, and had a special talent for creating handmade treasures. Her kindness and gentle spirit touched many lives, and she was a loyal friend to those fortunate enough to know her.

Above all else, Danielle’s greatest love was family. Her son, Jackson, and her husband Jay, were the center of her world. Her parents, sister, brother, nieces, and nephews and extended family were precious to her, and she treasured the time spent with them. Danielle enjoyed traveling and shared many special adventures exploring the world with her husband, Jay and his family, building memories that will be treasured always. Danielle also had a deep love for animals and shared her home and heart with many beloved pets over the years.

Danielle was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the teachings of the faith helped shape the values of kindness, compassion, and love that guided her life. Danielle will be remembered for her creativity, her kindness to all, and the love she gave so freely to her family and friends. Her presence brought light, laughter, and comfort to many, and she will be deeply missed.

Danielle’s love will continue to live in the hearts of those she touched, and her family finds comfort in the belief that her journey of growth and learning continues in eternity.

Danielle is survived by her husband, John (Jay) William Ward, and their son, Jackson William Ward; her parents, Cathryn and Richard Peshlakai; her sister, Andrea Truelson, and her husband, Pete, and their children Brock, Carter, Quinn, and Sawyer; her brother, Miles Peshlakai, and his wife, Rachel, and their children Lyla, Quade, and Millie; her husband’s parents, Mary Ann and John Ward; and her sister-in-law, Jennifer Hosp, and her husband, Shawn.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 28, at 3:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Monte Cristo Ward Building, located at 1801 S. Monte Cristo Street, Las Vegas, Nevada 89117.

Flowers may be sent to 1801 S. Monte Cristo Street, Las Vegas, Nevada 89117, between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. on March 28. For floral delivery coordination or questions, please contact Lacey Newbry at 702-580-0864.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Danielle’s love for animals may make a meaningful donation in her memory to the Southern Nevada Animal Rescue League:

https://checkout.shelterluv.com/donate/SNRL