Augusta, GA---Mrs. Mary Sancken Ward, 99, entered into rest on Tuesday, April 2, 2013 at the Kentwood Skilled Nursing Facility.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church with Monsignor P. James Costigan as celebrant. Interment will follow at Westover Memorial Park.
Mrs. Ward was a native of Augusta, the daughter of John Clarence and Nell Sancken. She was a founding member of the Camellia Garden Club and a founding member of the Pink Ladies Auxiliary, at St. Joseph Hospital. She was a charter member of the Irish American Heritage Society and was named Irish Lady of the Year in 2006. Mary worked in the office at Augusta National Golf Club for the 1st Augusta National Invitational in 1934, now known as the Masters Tournament. Mrs. Ward was a lifelong member of St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church and assisted Father John Kennedy in placing the corner stone of the new church in 1954.
Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Laurence Joseph Ward, daughter, Patti Ward Ratzlaff, son, Philip Sancken Ward, grandson, Laurence Patrick Ward, 2 brothers, 2 sisters and their spouses.
Survivors include, her daughter, Elizabeth "Betsy” Ward Camp of Huntsville, AL, sons, Joe Ward and wife, Gail and Frank Ward, all of Augusta, GA, grandchildren, Mary Beth Snider, Catie Ratzlaff, Laure Ratzlaff, Martha Franceschi, all of Charlotte, NC, John Ward of Severna Park, MD,Melinda Dansby of Augusta, GA, Pierce Camp of Hernando, MS, Ferris Camp of Asheville, NC, Philip Ward, Jr., Mary Catherine Stewart, both of Augusta, GA and Sarah Ward of Colorado and 14 great grandchildren,daughter in law, Sue Ward of Augusta, GA and son in law, Don Ratzlaff of Isle of Palms, SC.
The family wishes to say a special, Thank You, to the staff of Kentwood Nursing Facility for their loving care to Mrs. Ward.
The Rosary will be recited at 6:00 pm on Friday, April 5, 2013 at Platt’s Crawford Avenue Chapel with Father Scott Winchel officiating. Visitation for family and friends will follow until 8:00 pm.
Pallbearers will be Ferris Dorr, Pierce Camp, Ferris Camp, Grey Camp, Brey Dansby, Jamie Dansby and John Ward.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Aquinas High School, 1920 Highland Avenue, Augusta, GA 30909.