September 1, 1929 – March 10, 2022
DeLoyce Hathway, of Ventura, CA, passed away on March 10 at the age of 92. DeLoyce lived a full life devoted to God and her beloved extended family.
DeLoyce Ann Ward was born on September 1, 1929 in Strawberry, Arkansas to Floyd and Ava Ward, the only girl of three children. DeLoyce lived on the family farm in her early years and remembered it fondly even after her family moved out to Santa Paula, California in 1936. She was an alumnus of Santa Paula High School.
In early 1948, she met Edward Hathway and he soon began calling her “Dee,” a nickname that stuck for the rest of her years. They married on December 26, 1948 and welcomed their daughter, Sharon, in 1952, followed by their son, Mark, in 1956. Making their home in Ventura, Dee was very active in her children’s lives. Dee and Sharon shared a love for gardening and antiquing. She was Mark’s room mother in school and his biggest fan in Little League. Ed and Dee enjoyed a wonderful 68-year marriage, full of love, laughter, travel, and a dedication to God and their family.
Dee was very proud of her decades-long career as a Senior Personnel Staffing Specialist for the US Navy at Port Hueneme, still telling stories about it until the week she passed away. Many women in her family attribute their professional pursuits to Aunt Dee’s trailblazing success.
She remained a devoted member of the Ventura Church of Christ throughout her life, attending church weekly, hosting visitors for Christian Youth Forums, going to Summer Bible Camp with her family, and later volunteering at Vacation Bible School with her grandchildren. She was an avid reader and gardener, claiming she never had to exercise because she was so busy working in her yard. She hosted many family gatherings in her beautiful garden, including her daughter’s wedding in 1978. Dee also loved to travel with Ed as her favorite companion. They visited Europe multiple times and road tripped through Alaska and Canada.
In 1981, Dee’s first grandchild was born and soon became fondly known as “Mommer” within her family. She loved and cared for her grandchildren as if they were her own, talking to them on a daily basis up until the day she died.
DeLoyce treasured her family. She was the matriarch who kept all of her nieces, nephews, and cousins updated on family news and always hosted the most loving family gatherings in her home in Ondulando. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
DeLoyce is predeceased by her beloved husband, Ed, in 2017 and precious daughter, Sharon, in 2011, as well as her brother, Herman Ward, in childhood. She is survived by her brother, C. Herb Ward of Houston, TX, her son, Mark Hathway of Moore, OK, her grandchildren, Matthew, Courtney, Ryan, and Cameron and her great-grandchildren, Ryan Jr., Elijah, Barrett, Harrison, Samantha, and Lucy. The Hathway family would like to thank Dr. J.N. Warwar and Dr. Berger for their wonderful care of her through the years.
Dee was buried next to Ed and Sharon at Santa Paula Cemetery on March 19, 2022 in a private service officiated by lifelong friend, Ken Luper. A memorial service for family and friends will be held at Ventura Church of Christ on May 7, 2022 at 11am. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Ventura Church of Christ.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.