Vera Ward died February 26, 2016 in her apartment, at Sun Terrace Prosser Assisted Living, in Prosser, Washington. She was 91.
Vera was born to Oscar and Clare Wilkins on June 1, 1924, in a little cabin on the Camas Prairie, near Grangeville, Idaho. Her parents taught her to love Jehovah God with her whole heart, whole mind, and whole life fully without reservation. As such, Vera was a diligent student of the Bible, wholeheartedly served Jehovah God in accomplishing his purposes, and zealously declared the good news of his Kingdom.
During those difficult times of World War 2 at the age of 17, on July 12, 1942, she symbolized her dedication to serve Jehovah God full time, by water baptism in the Potlatch River, near Julietta, Idaho.
In 1952, she met Judge Charles (J.C.) Ward, as both were attending the Lewiston Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, in Lewiston, Idaho. As she watched this spiritually minded man with similar life goals, she knew he would become her husband. August 16, 1952 she married J.C. and they continued to live in Lewiston, Idaho, until 1960.
In 1960, J.C. and Vera were asked to move and support the five publishers, who were becoming the Baker City, Oregon Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. As a result of their sacrifices to support that ministry, Baker City and several nearby towns have thriving congregations.
In her midlife, she began to suffer serious illnesses that would plague her and would ultimately take her life.
In April 2009, her husband died and Vera continued to live in their home in Baker City, Oregon; where the members of the local congregation continued to care for her well-being.
In April, 2012, she moved to Prosser, Washington to be closer to her family. She attended the Prosser Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses when her health permitted. Vera made many new friends in the congregation and at Sun Terrace Prosser. Vera was so thankful for the members of her family, spiritual family, and friends for their encouraging and up-building visits. Vera expressed deep appreciation and gratitude for the many friends she made at Sun Terrace Prosser and the loving care and comfort provided by her caregivers.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, three brothers, and four sisters. She is survived by her sister, Niemi Freeman, and her sister-in-law, Anna May Wilkins and her many nieces and nephews.
Memorial Service will be held Saturday, March 26, 2016 2:00 PM, at Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall 346 Nunn Road, Prosser, WA. You may leave a message for her family at www.prosserfuneralhome.com