Norma Harris Ward

Norma Harris Ward was born June 28, 1925 in Payson, Utah, daughter of John Clifford and Thora Wright Harris. She passed away peacefully at her home on September 8, 2012. She is now truly “home”, and enjoying a wonderful reunion with her sweetheart, parents, brother, and multiple long missed loved ones.

She grew up in Utah and California, in a loving and spiritual home and enjoyed her youth with family and many good friends. She played a major role in raising and caring for her younger two brothers. At the age of 18 she joined the Cadet Nurse Corps, and moved to Utah to study nursing. By the time she graduated from nursing school in June 1946, World War II and her military obligation had ended. She continued her education, while working as an evening nursing supervisor at Salt Lake County Hospital, attending classes at the University of Utah during the day. She graduated from the University of Utah in 1948 with her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. During the time she was serving as nursing supervisor at the County Hospital, she met John Robert Ward, a resident physician. They fell in love and were married on November 5, 1948. After 55 years of marriage, he preceded her death in 2004. They raised their four children in Boston, Massachusetts and Salt Lake City, Utah. Norma was the epitome of a "perfect" wife and mother. She dedicated her life to her family, and truly created a home full of love, learning, support, service, faith, and joy.

She was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She served in many capacities including more than 6 years as a ward Relief Society president, a Stake Relief Society counselor, temple worker, and numerous other callings, all of which she filled with total commitment and excellence in every regard. She had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, was courageous in that testimony, and exemplified His plea to "love they neighbor.” She seldom thought of herself and devoted her time to serving others. Her husband, a rheumatologist of renown, owed much of his success to her lifetime commitment to serving him and their family. Everyone within her loving circle of influence was blessed by their association with her. Hers was a life well lived and she was loved by all who knew her. More importantly, she taught others to also love well. She lifted all with whom she interacted.

She was a kind, wise, gentle example of tolerance, unconditional love and civility. She felt strongly that working together to solve problems was more important than any one person being right. Fairness and cooperation were core among many of her divine values. Because of these values, she struggled to understand why public servants were less than civil in their discourse.

She, and her husband John, placed a high importance on education and encouraged their children and grandchildren to pursue formal education and to continually learn, progress, and work to contribute positively to society.

She is survived by her four children, John (Constance), Pamela (Lane), Scott (Diane), and James (Laura). She had thirteen grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by brothers Don (Lori) and Charles. She was preceded in death by dear husband John and older brother Gordon.

Mom’s life provided an earthly window to heaven. It has been said that there are angels on earth, masquerading as humans...if that is so, she was truly in that category. She had a natural gift, and deep passion, to make all around her feel loved and esteemed and to inspire them to constantly elevate themselves. We pray her example will inspire us to do likewise.

A viewing will be held at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary (3401 South Highland Drive) on Wednesday, September 12, 2012 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Funeral services honoring her life will be held at the Winder Eighth Ward, located at 1361 East 4000 South, at 11:00 AM. on Thursday, September 13, 2012, preceded by a brief viewing from 10:00 to 10:45 AM at that same location. Burial will be at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, she may have wished donations be made to the “It wasn’t offensive pass interference” fund of the University of Utah football team, following the recent Utah State/University of Utah game. In all seriousness, since no such fund exists, donations may be made to the Perpetual Education or Humanitarian Funds of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.