Mondell K Ward

Mondell Ward, born August 25, 1939, passed peacefully on March 27, 2024. A man of faith, love, and dedication, Mondell’s legacy is one of warmth and industry, forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Mondell is survived by his wife of 61 years, Sonja Ward; their two sons Perry and Ryan Ward; and their two daughters Lisa Syme and Natasha Nielsen. He is also lovingly remembered by his sons-in-law, Matthew Syme and James Nielsen, as well as his daughter-in-law, Lisa Ward. Mondell was the beloved grandfather of Jaana, Peyton, Keira, Hannah, Aimee, Chloe, Holly, Ivie, Landon, Kaden, Dallin, Calvin, and Myla. His extended family includes his brother, Frank Ward; sister, Carolyn Johns; brother-in-law, Rex Johns; and sister-in-law, Barbara Ward.

A 1957 graduate of Boise High School, Mondell lived a life of service and dedication. He enlisted in the National Guard that same year, going on to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Netherlands in 1960. In 1963, Mondell married the love of his life, Sonja Ward, a union marked by love, companionship, and mutual respect.

After working as a civilian at Hill Airforce Base in 1965, Mondell founded his State Farm Insurance Agency in 1973. Besides his professional accomplishments, Mondell was an active member of his community and church. He served with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and was a consistent attendee at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After retiring in 2018, Mondell and Sonja moved to Queen Creek, AZ.

Mondell had a rich array of interests and hobbies. He loved his wife’s cooking and enjoyed root beer, chessman cookies, and ice cream. A fan of WWII literature, his musical preferences leaned towards Beethoven and Mozart. His favorite TV shows were Law and Order and Jeopardy, and he loved supporting his favorite basketball team, The Utah Jazz.

He was fond of the game Hearts and enjoyed attending the opera. A man who loved working with his hands, Mondell found great joy in woodworking. He was an active man who enjoyed skiing and long Sunday walks. A lover of travel, Hawai’i held a special place in his heart, and he cherished the local spot, Maddox where he would take his wife for date nights. Mondell passionately cared for children’s education, expressing this commitment through personal and public endeavors.

Mondell’s warm, friendly, and very social personality made him a cherished presence in the lives of all who knew him. His philosophy was to never shy away from hard work, a lesson that he carried throughout his life and shared with others, especially his children. His many accomplishments include his service in the National Guard, his mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and the loving family he built with Sonja.

His legacy as a kind-hearted, hardworking, detail-oriented man lives on in his family and community. Mondell Ward will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to have known him.

A visitation for Mondell will be held Friday, April 5, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 400 South Power Road, Mesa, AZ 85206.

A funeral service will occur Friday, April 5, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 400 South Power Road, Mesa, AZ 85206.

Serving as pallbearers are Perry Ward, Ryan Ward, Matt Syme, Jim Nielsen, Landon Nielsen, Kaden Nielsen, Dallen Nielsen, Calvin Nielsen and Peyton Syme.