Keith Abram Ward

Keith Abram Ward, 71, of Rigby, died Friday, January 28, 2011, in Mesa Arizona. He was born October 26, 1939, in Rigby to Calvert Abram Ward and Nina Larsen Ward. He graduated from Rigby High School in 1958 and then served a mission in the North Central Stake Minnesota Mission, which included Manitoba Canada. He graduated from USU in Logan, Utah with a Bachelors Degree in Electrical Engineering. On June 12, 1964, he married Janice Stone in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a Ward Missionary, Stake Missionary, Teacher for the High Priest Group, Membership Clerk and accepted and served honorably in all callings. He and Jan served as full time Missionaries at Martins Cove, Wyoming for 2 ½ summers. He also served as an officiator in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple for 5 years. Keith enjoyed years of camping, 4-wheeling, fishing and loved the friendships that were developed during these activities. When the opportunity came up Keith and Jan would be found on the 4 wheelers enjoying family, friends, and nature. He also enjoyed woodworking which consisted of making wooden animal plaques, wooden scenery; his favorite was making pioneer handcarts. He also loved to dig for and polish agates, jade, and crystals to make jewelry. He is survived by his wife, Janice “Jan” Ward of Rigby, daughters, Janet Kay (David) Hoyle, of Perry, Utah, Karen Ann (Charles) Boots, of Great Falls, Montana, Wendi Jo (Douglas) Byrd, of Sugar City, twin brother, Kent G. (Elaine) Ward, of Rigby sister, LaDene (Jim) Thornton, of Idaho Falls, 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, February 5, 2011, at the Rigby 5th ward LDS Chapel, with Bishop Greg Hayward, conducting. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Annis Little Butte Cemetery, under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby.