Helen Margaret Ward

Helen Margaret Ward, 78, of La Grande, died Sept. 15 at a local care center in La Grande. No services are planned at this time.

Helen was born Nov. 1, 1931, to Albert Orlando and Pearl Mabel (Matteson) Carey Jr. at Springfield.

She lived in Vale and then Ontario to be closer to her work at the Presbyterian Care Facility.

In 1997, she was awarded the Carrie Young Open Arms Award.

After her retirement, she moved to La Grande to be closer to her grandchildren. Helen enjoyed reading romance novels and canning and preserving. However, her greatest love was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She is survived by her son, Steven Ward and his companion, Ramona, of La Grande; daughter and spouse, Carla and David Deffenbaugh of Cheyenne, Wyo.; three brothers and their spouses, Albert and Barbara Carey of Rogue River, Milton and Mary Carey of Lapine and Fulton and Connie Carey of Lincoln, Neb.; and several grandchildren.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; spouse, Cecil Ward; two sons, John and Scott Earl Ward; and two sisters, Roberta Dawson and Alberta Van Arnum.

A memorial fund has been established to help the family with burial cost. Contributions may be made to Loveland Funeral Chapel.

.