Delores Aileen Ward

Delores Ward, age 92, of Browns Valley, Minnesota passed away Saturday, March 29, 2025 at the Browns Valley Health Center.

Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Wilmot Lutheran Church in Wilmot, South Dakota with Rev. Kay Reeb officiating. Organist will be Carmen Hills with special music provided by Don Dobbs.

Interment will be in the Wilmot Cemetery, rural Wilmot. Pallbearers will be Matthew Ward, Brian Ward, Patrick Buttke, Bradley Ward, Christopher Mogard and Samuel Howard. Honorary Pallbearers will be Fara Howard, Lindy Popovich, Billie Jo Weeg, Rebecca McDaniel, Jessica Gross, Tracy Miller, Amy Ward and Abby Ward.

Visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church on Saturday.

Delores Aileen Larsen was born ninety-two years ago on May 2, 1932 on the family farm near Wilmot, South Dakota. She was the daughter of Emil T. Larsen and Mildred E. Chapin and was the fourth of eight children.

At five years old, Delores daily followed her older siblings to a one room schoolhouse. It paid off because upon officially entering school, she skipped a grade. Growing up she began babysitting at ten years old for twenty-five cents an hour. Delores began attending Wilmot Lutheran Church when she was eight years old. When she was fifteen, she met Donnie Ward at a family outing. They dated for two years. She graduated from Wilmot High School in May 1949. The following November she and Donnie were married. She said it was the happiest day of her life. In the next nine years, they became the parents to: Sandy, Randy, Rob and Sheryl.

Donnie and Delores attended all their children’s church, school and sporting events as well as events of their grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Attending church was a top priority, plus Delores enjoyed being an active member of the Women’s Circle. She also worked as a cook at the Browns Valley School for six years and then at Ike’s for twenty-five years.

Delores and Donnie enjoyed helping others. They volunteered to drive for Meals on Wheels, at the food shelter and playing cards with the Browns Valley Health Center residents. She served on the Health Center’s Board of Trustees and was very honored when she received the 2001 Volunteer of the Year. They also loved to dance to country music.

After retirement Delores was active in three Bridge clubs. She was also a great cook and was known for her homemade buns. Her favorite memories were of family gatherings. Her favorite vacations were Branson and when the family went camping. Delores is described by her children and children-in-law as being: gracious, kind, devoted and quick witted.

Delores is survived by her children: Sandy (Frank) Guilmette of North Charleston, S.C.; Randy (Claudia) Ward of Clinton, M.N.; Rob Ward of Milbank, S.D.; and Sheryl (Tom) Foster of Brandon, S.D. She also leaves behind 13 grandchildren who adored and respected her, plus 32 great grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers Donnie Larsen and Jerry Larsen.

Extending their hands to welcome her into heaven are: her husband of 69 years, Donnie Ward; great grandson Lynx Gross; daughter-in-law Marlene Ward; and many extended family members and friends.