Elda June Ward age 87 of Broken Bow died December 30, 2017, at the Brookstone View Care Home in Broken Bow.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 13, 2018, at 2:00 PM at the United Methodist Church in Broken Bow with Pastor Todd Karges officiating. A register book may be signed at Govier Brothers Mortuary.
Elda was born on June 24, 1930, in Colome, SD to Bert J. and Rebecca (Delaney) Heath. Her family moved to Nebraska and lived in the Berwyn area. She attended Broken Bow High School her senior year, graduating in 1947. Elda became the loving wife of James O. Ward in 1947. They lived in Ansley, and had two children; Jimmy Ray and Peggy Rebecca. Later they moved to Broken Bow where Elda was one of the first to be hired by a new business called BD in 1960. In 1965 the family moved to Alliance, NE. Elda went to Cosmetology school and later became the instructor there. She owned her own salon for many years. Elda and James loved traveling, camping, and fishing with family and friends. Lake Ogallala was a favorite spot. They liked all sports and attended College World Series Baseball and Husker football games. She was very proud of all her grandchildren and cheered them on at countless school and sports events. She enjoyed many special times with her Great-grandchildren! Heath family reunions were always an important event.
After the death of her husband, Elda moved to North Platte to be near her sister. She came back to Broken Bow and lived at the Melham apartments, assisted living, Heritage Hall, and then Brookstone View where she passed. In these years Elda made many friends among the residents and staff. She had much love and great appreciation for her long-time Friend, Marion.
Elda was preceded in death by her husband James, daughter Peggy, her brothers; Clinton, Wiley, Alfred and Robert, her sisters; Lottie May, Donna Della, and Mable, and a great-grandchild Baby Grace.
Elda is survived by her son Jimmy Ray and his wife Linda of Loup City, grandchildren; Jason Ward of Omaha, Sarah Ward of Neligh, Cristy Baker of Rockville, MD, and Cindy Shaw of St. Louis, MO, great-grandchildren; Jason, Naomi, Isaiah, Hailey, Tyler, James, Roger, Alexis, Emily, Michael, and great-great-grandchild Levi.
