Diana Lee Ward

Diana Lee Ward was born on December 31, 1955, in Phoenix, Arizona, where she also passed away on October 23, 2026. She was the third of thirteen children and spent her life building a family, making friendships, and creating memories that will be cherished by those who knew and loved her.

Diana grew up in Phoenix, where she attended school before entering the workforce at a young age. She began working early in life and started her own family while still a young woman. She eventually built a career in sales with Harvest Meat Company, a large beef manufacturing company, where she sold tons and tons of beef throughout her years of service.

While raising her children, Diana met the love of her life, Ralph, on June 2, 1983. Their love story continued for decades, and on January 2, 1997, they were married by a justice of the peace in Phoenix. Ralph's father and two of their children, Michael, Kelly, and Nick were there to witness their special day. Together, Diana and Ralph brought their family together, embracing Michael, Kelly, and Nicholas as one family. Their life together was built on love, family, and the many memories they shared over the years.

Diana had a personality that was uniquely her own. She was honest, direct, and never one to hide how she felt. Although she might have seemed a little curt when first meeting someone, those who took the time to know her discovered her sincere, loving heart. She was generous, always willing to help others, and had a wonderful ability to make new friends. She was also a devoted homemaker who took great pride in keeping her home and caring for the people she loved.

Family was at the heart of Diana's life, especially in her later years when she became the wonderful grandmother everyone remembers. She was always there for her grandchildren, offering her love, attention, and support. Some of the sweetest memories of Diana will undoubtedly be found around her kitchen table. She loved to cook for her family, and her tacos, potato salad, scalloped potatoes with black olives, and stuffing were among the dishes her loved ones will remember fondly. These meals were more than food; they were a way Diana showed her family how much she cared.

When Diana wasn't spending time with her family, she loved playing the slots and visiting Caesars Palace. Her birthday was her favorite holiday, and with her December 31st birthday falling on New Year's Eve, she had the perfect reason to celebrate. Those who knew Diana could easily imagine her welcoming another birthday and another new year at Caesars Palace, doing something she truly loved.

Diana's life was filled with family, friendships, laughter, good food, and countless memories. She leaves behind a legacy of generosity, honesty, and love that will continue through the generations of her family.

As Diana entered Heaven, she was reunited with her beloved son, Nick, daughter Lindsay, and her son Carlos Jr. and her mother and father were there to welcome her home.

Diana leaves behind the love of her life, Ralph; her children, Michael and his wife, Tina, and Kelly and her husband, Jason; and her cherished grandchildren, Sydney, Samantha, Michael, Alyssa, Sebastian, J.D., and Brandon. She also leaves behind her beloved grandpets, Kane and Abel, who were treasured members of the family.

Diana will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all those fortunate enough to have known her. Her love will live on in the family she raised, the friendships she formed, the meals she prepared, and the countless memories that will bring smiles and comfort to those who miss her.

Services for Diana Lee Ward will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Advantage Maryvale Chapel. Following the service, Diana will be laid to rest at 2:00 p.m. at West Haven Park Cemetery in Glendale, Arizona.

Visitation will be held at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services (Maryvale Chapel), 6901 West Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85033, US, on October 29, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:30 pm.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services (Maryvale Chapel), 6901 West Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ 85033, US, on October 29, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

Diana will be laid to rest at West Resthaven Funeral Home & Resthaven Park Cemetery, 6450 W Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301, US, on October 29, 2026, from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.