Russell Ward

Russell Dee Ward

February 13, 1933~September 26, 2015

Russell Ward passed from this life on September 26, 2015. He was staying at the Aspen Assisted living facility where the staff was helping him in his fight against Alzheimer's disease.

Russ was born on February13, 1933 to Elmer and Norma Ward. Russell was born in the family home in Fruit Heights, Utah. We are confident that his mother and father have welcomed him back with open arms.

Russell was the second child of five children. The family stayed close throughout the years. All five of them and their spouses often gathered for family dinners to catch up on what was happening in each of their families. Russ had one older brother Gordon (married to Myrna) and younger brothers Delwin

(married to Josephine) , Larry ( married to Kay) and one younger sister Verlene.

Russell attended Davis High school where he was most at home in the school band. Russell was a talented player. He could listen to a song then pick up the trombone and just play right along. Even after years of not playing he could still just hear a song and play it on his beloved Olds Trombone.

Russell fell deeply in love with his life partner Sharon Joy. They were married on March 25th. The pair celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in March of this year.

Russell was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints. Russ served as ward clerk and as a home missionary, while on TDY in Sedalia, Missouri.

Russell and his beautiful wife Sharon were avid square dancers for a few years with the Red Hots. Russell was also a motorcycle hill claimer on an old Triumph motorcycle. This got him the nickname Hilltopper because he was fearless and not satisfied until he was looking back down the hill at those waiting their turn below.

Russell was a volunteer fireman for Kaysville and Fruit Heights. Russ was assistant fire chief for a few years before he decided to go on extended TDY. He left behind a fair size collection of toy fire trucks, and even had a full sized fire truck that he used for his second fire job. Russ started a fire protection service in Manor Lands while he had property there.

Russell and Sharon also put 300,000 miles on a 94 Dodge Ram Diesel Truck. The list of states not visited by the pair is very short.

Russell is survived by his all of his brothers and his sister, his wife Sharon, son Ron Ward, daughters Colleen Whitesell, and Karen (Katie) (Dewayne) Gordon, plus 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 2, 2015 at 11 a.m. at the Fruit Heights LDS Church, 140 N. Mountain Road, Fruit Heights.  Friends may visit family Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Kaysville Mortuary, 400 North Main and Friday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Uintah Cemetery.