Geneva Kaye Scott Ward died peacefully at home surrounded by family on June 20, 2024. Kaye was born on July 22, 1944, in Highcoal, West Virginia, but has lived in Arizona since 1980. Although Kaye has lived all over the United States, her true home was her “Old Kentucky Home” in Drakesboro, Kentucky—a fact she would proudly exclaim to anyone who asked where she was from.
She was a 1962 graduate of Drakesboro High School, where she was a member of the marching band. Kaye continued her education and graduated from Western Kentucky University in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. She worked as an educator for most of her career teaching high school classes in various cities, finally landing at Williams Air Force Base in Mesa as the Director of the Child Development Center where she ultimately retired from after thirteen years. Upon retirement, she traveled the world extensively, visiting family and friends.
Kaye never met a stranger. Her effervescence and Southern charm drew people to her, leading to connections worldwide. This charm sparked a chance conversation with a Texas businessman named William “Bob” Ward during a layover at Denver International Airport that changed the course of their lives. This chance meeting led to a beautiful, blissful and blessed twenty-four year marriage.
Kaye had a passion for life and enjoyed many different past times, all of which she indulged in and shared with those close to her. Her home was always filled with great food, joy and laughter. Her cooking was not only legendary among family and friends, it brought an inexplicable sense of pride to Kaye to take care of those she loved. In addition to cooking, Kaye had a deep love for animals . . . especially dogs and horses. While living in Alaska, she aided in the early development of the famed Iditarod Trail Sled Dog race. Little did she know that work would lead to a family involvement within the sport that spans generations. Her love of horses ended up creating one of the family’s most cherished traditions – The Kentucky Derby. Kaye made it a point to bring the family together every year at the Derby with her crowning achievement of attending the 150th Kentucky Derby this year, despite her health challenges. Her love of family, dogs, and horses overcame all obstacles and created memories that will last a lifetime.
Kaye is survived by her two sons, Christopher [Shannon] Adkins and family of Montana, Jesse Adkins [Georgina Palmer] of Arizona, four stepchildren, Scott [Jenny] Ward and family of Texas, Lauri [Ricky] Wacasey and family of Texas, Sheri Whitley of Arizona, Rhonda DeLabio [Whitley] and family of Arizona. In addition, she is survived by family members Bonnie Harris of Kentucky, Craig [Deanna] Ward and family of Utah; Ann [Don] Niles and family of Wisconsin; Patsy Agnew of Arizona and Alan LeVan of Arizona. She is predeceased by her loving husband William Robert “Bob” Ward and stepson William Michael “Mike” Ward, her parents Geneva Lee Scott (Cerovac) and Everett V. Scott; adoptive parents, Harrus and Geneva Harris; siblings - Bill Scott, Gordon Harris and Helen Harris.
