On Saturday, Jan. 4, 2020, Della Ilene Ward, loving wife and mother of four, passed away at the age of 85 at the Christian Health Care Center in Lynden, Washington. She went peacefully, holding her granddaughter Rachel’s hand, surrounded by the love of her entire family.

Ilene was born on March 30, 1934, in Valentine, Nebraska, and graduated from Valentine High School in 1952. On July 1, 1952, she married Elmer William (Bill) Ward. Together they raised their two sons, Billy and Rusty, and their two daughters, Shelley and Wendy, on Lopez Island. Their home on Whiskey Hill saw them through four decades of life.

Ilene was a caring, outgoing person who enjoyed playing golf and bridge. She could often be found at the Lopez Island Golf Course with her husband and friends and a manhattan in hand. She was an avid cook and gardener. Ilene was the easiest person to strike up a conversation with or tell jokes to and loved making everyone feel welcome. She enjoyed spending time with her 10 grandkids and 18 great-grandkids.

Ilene is survived by her husband, Bill; her four children, Shelley, Billy, Wendy and Rusty; her sister Bonnie and brother Dick and their families.

Ilene loved being a grandmother the most and will be greatly missed by Rachel; Aaron; Virginia; Roberta; Eliza; Emily; Courtney; Ed; Chris; John; and their children.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Please send any flowers or messages of love to 1404 Grover St., Lynden, WA 98264.