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Maxeen Peterson Ward

Sep. 18, 1944 - Apr. 13, 2021

Date of Service: Apr. 19, 2021

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ELBA – Maxeen Peterson Ward, a 76-year-old resident of Elba, passed away Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at Highland Estates Assisted Living in Burley.

Maxeen was born September 18, 1944, at her grandparents’ home in the Starrh’s Ferry area of Burley. She was the first child born to Max Everett and Alice Berniece Bowers Peterson. At this time her father was at basic training and was able to travel to Burley to meet his three-day-old daughter prior to being shipped overseas to serve during World War II. The next time Maxeen saw her dad she was two years old.

She attended schools in Heyburn and graduated in 1962 from Minico High School. She later attended Utah State University in Logan, Utah, and Stevens-Henager Business College in Salt Lake City, Utah. Maxeen worked in Salt Lake City after graduating and eventually moved back home where she met the love of her life, Morgan T. Ward. They were married September 12, 1969, in Paul. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Logan Utah Temple.

After Mom and Dad married, they lived in Caldwell and Murtaugh before settling in the Elba Valley, where they raised their family. Casey was born in 1970, Jill in 1974, and Jack in 1979. Mom and Dad spent many happy years raising their family and supporting their children as they pursued 4-H, rodeo and horse shows. Many happy memories were made.

Maxeen was a stay-at-home mom when the children were younger but helped supplement the family income by working for the State of Idaho in the fall inspecting potatoes. Eventually, Maxeen started working for D L Evans Bank in Albion and then went to work for Clark Equine Clinic, also in Albion. While working at the clinic, Maxeen met many people who became lifelong friends.

On March 1, 2002, Morgan and Maxeen lost their son, Jack, in a tragic auto accident. This devastated the family and since then, Maxeen had missed him everyday of her life. Morgan was her strength and when he died suddenly on December 7, 2009, Maxeen was dealt a blow from which she never fully recovered. We find peace in knowing that Maxeen is with Morgan and Jack and in the joyous reunion they are having.

Maxeen worked hard and tried to remain independent and live in her home in Elba. Ill health forced her to move to assisted living and she longed to be able to return to her heavenly home.

Maxeen was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints and served in many callings including Young Women, Primary, as the choir director and as a ward librarian (this was Morgan's favorite calling because he could hide out in the library with her).

She is survived by her son, Casey T. Ward; daughter, Jill Powers (Tyler); grandsons, Zachery and JW Powers; and siblings, Clair Peterson (Kris), Colleen Tilby and Jean Belliston (Albert).

In addition to her husband and son, she was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Allen Peterson; and her father and mother-in-law, Thern and Donna Ward.

The family would like to thank the staff of Highland Estates for their loving care to Maxeen and to also thank Josiah from Harrison’s Hope Hospice for the tender care he gave to Maxeen in her final hours. You truly are angels.

Our thanks to Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home for their compassionate care to our family. A special thanks to Dave Allred.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, April 19, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Elba. Burial will follow at Sunny Cedar Rest Cemetery in Almo.

Friends may call from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, April 18, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and at the church on Monday, from 10 until 10:45 a.m.

A live webcast of the Funeral Service will be available at the following link: https://youtu.be/lEIWI0FeFKc.

Condolences for Maxeen Peterson Ward

Comments may be screened and removed by the staff as deemed appropriate.

From Jim Kelley her ups man:

Have a lot of great memories. I got to visit with her quite often. Every time I would delivered to her at work or home. She was always a joy. She was a great lady. She will be missed dearly.

From Liz Scott:

I loved Aunt Maxeen. I remember the long drive up to her house as a kid and oohing and ahing at all of the “horse stuff”. Many years later I took my oldest son up for the same experience. She was a beautiful person. I bet she had one great reunion with Jack and Uncle Morgan!

From Curtis and Michelle Richins :

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you

From Monty Arrossa:

Loved seeing Maxine at Dr Clark’s. She was a dear friend. My thoughts and prayers to the family.

From Andy Ward:

Casey&Jill

Sorry to hear about Aunt Max,I am sorry that we won't be there,Aunt Max will be missed,she's in heaven with Uncle Morgan,and Jack. She will always be in my heart and be missed very much.
Andy,Misty&Lillian Ward

From Rick Hall:

Colleen: we are so sorry about your sister's passing. Wish we could be there in person to wish you peace and love. God bless. We miss our Burley friends! Rick and Kathy Hall

From Ross and Helen Gochnour :

Jill and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Maxeen was a wonderful lady. Prayers, love and hugs to all of you.

From Whittney Cheney:

Maxeen was always a sweet and loving aunt. She will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayer to Jill and Casey.

From Ryan and Angela Hoopes:

Maxeen was a great lady. Sending thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

From Laurie Darrington:

So sorry for your loss. My best memory of Maxeen is having her teach me how to bathe a baby. After Jill was born I went to her house, which was a single wide trailer that sat on the corner to the east of the Elba Church House. She taught me many things. My prayers are with you at her loss.

From Catherine N Ingalls:

So sorry to hear of your loss, my thoughts & Prayers to your family... God Bless

From Shanda Nye Heggie:

Casey and Jill,

I am so sorry to hear about your mom. She was a gem and a second mom to us. Such fond memories of growing up next to Morg and Max. Grateful that she is reunited with Morgan and Jack. You will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Shanda

From Todd and Tina Powers:

We are truly sorry for your loss. Maxeen was always so kind and thoughtful. She will be missed.

From Sylvia and Ricky Olsen :

We are so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for you and your family.

From Cedric Taylor:

We are sorry for your loss. But it is like you said she now be with her husband and son.

From Sharon Hutchison:

Thinking of you with Sincere Sympathy and Fond Memories of your loved one. So sorry for your loss.

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