Robert Ward

Robert W. Ward (Bob) passed away January 12, 2019 at Cottage in the Meadow, Yakima, Washington after an extended illness. Bob was born May 14, 1931 to Wan J. Ward and Jessie Slater Ward in Wiley City, Washington. The family moved to mabton on December 7, 1941, a date he always remembered because of Pearl Harbor. He attended school in Mabton until 1948. He was married Betty Ann Hays from 1948 to 1951. Their daughter Cheryl Lee was born in July of 1949. After having. Moved to Nebraska he met and married Donna Bauer on January 9, 1952. They had two sons, Ronald, born in September 1952 and Gary in July of 1953. Bob worked at a variety of jobs over the years from driving truck in Nebraska and the Lower Yakima Valley to farming until he and Donna purchased Westside Market in Grandview in 1973, then Rabie Market in 1978. He also owned markets in Spokane and Sunnyside. He sold them due to heart problems. He moved to Yakima and for a time worked at Yakima Mall Parking. In 2007 they had the opportunity to take on the management of the Mobile Home Court where they lived. They managed the court for nearly ten years until ill health prompted Bob into full retirement in 2016. As a young man he enjoyed packing into the backcountry on horseback to camp, hunt, and fish with buddies. His interest in fishing continued throughout his life. He enjoyed Seahawks and Mariners ball games. He grew the best tomatoes and cucumbers in the county. Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Cheryl Sebens; son, Gary Ward; grandson, Rich Sebens; and sisters, Norma ward Schmidt and Wanda Ward Cowdry. He is survived by his wife Donna; Brother, Keith Ward (Carolyn); son, Ronald Ward, Sr. (Deb); grandsons, Jim Sebens (Lisa), Jeremy Johansen (Dana), Dean Ward (Sarah); and granddaughter Teresa Vanderhoof (Jamison); Eighteen great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren along with nieces and nephews. Robert’s family extended\s a grateful thanks to the wonderful nurses, aides, volunteers and staff at Cottage in the Meadow for all the gentle and heartfelt care they provided to Robert and the family during his time with them. They made Robert’s passing comfortable and peaceful, and Kindly helped the family through a stressful time. They are worth their weight in Gold Stars. At Robert’s request no funeral service will be held at this time. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert Ward, please visit our flower store.