Esther Louise Ward

Esther Louise Ward, 71, passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2016, after a courageous battle against pancreatic cancer. Esther was a very special person and beloved by everyone who knew her. She always had a smile for everyone, even on days when she felt badly. Through expert care provided by many gifted people, Esther was able to live three years instead of the usual prognosis of one year.

We would like to thank Panagiotis Valilis, M.D., and his staff at Texas Oncology for her initial treatment. We would also like to thank Burton Berkson, M.D., PhD, Arthur Berkson, M.D., Ann Berkson, Rebecca Berkson, and their compassionate staff at Integrative Medical Center of New Mexico in Las Cruces, N.M., who continued her treatment for the next year and a half.

Esther was an honor graduate of Ysleta High School, where she was a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish National Honor Society, French National Honor Society, Quill and Scroll, Press Club, Student Council, and an officer in the ROTC Sponsor Corps. She attended Texas Woman’s University in Denton, TX, and Texas Western College in El Paso, TX.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents Curtis R. and Esther P. Carmean and son Jeremy M. Ward. She leaves behind her husband Jerry M. Ward, her son Jered M. Ward of Portland, OR, her brother Homer D. Carmean of Brenham, TX, siblings-in-law Jeff and Jamye Ward of El Paso, TX, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends. Viewing will be held Thursday April 21, 2016 from 6-7 p.m. at Martin Funeral Home West. A private graveside service will be held by family at later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Hospice El Paso www.hospiceelpaso.org.