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Deanna Ward Obituary
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Ward was described by her daughter, Shelly Irvin, as the "best mom in the world."
She died in Monday's storm in the closet of her home about a block from Plaza Elementary School while holding hands with her son.
Her son survived.
Ward was a retired nurse and was frail, and Irvin told The Okla homan her son did not have enough time to get their mother into a car and leave the area.
"My brother and I have been through a lot of struggles and she never gave up on us. She was always there," Irvin told the newspaper.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
29 Entries
Tammie Hughes
June 22, 2013
We lived right next door to Deanna about 6 years ago and when we heard about the tornado we worried about our old neighborhood but especially Deanna..we knew she would probably be home and hoped she would of made it to the shelter in what used to be our back yard..God needed sweet Deanna it seems and bet she is making quite a few smile ear to ear..my son Alex told me he loved talking to to her when he would go over to play with Jesse her grandson.I will always remember sweet talks we at in the backyard and how she always asked about my health and my husbands..so very sorry to Shelly and her family your brother too!! Praying for all of you..love from Tammie Hughes and Alex Aguila
June 19, 2013
I don't know Deanna, but I lost my wife Deanna Ward in February of this year, you have my deepest sympathy.
Michael Ward, Columbus OH
The Paul Family
June 4, 2013
Deanna must have been a shining star to have raised the children it sounds like she had. You can feel the love through them and the many friends. God Bless all the people of Oklahoma. The Paul family from the OBX of N.C.
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Dru (Coursey) Miller
May 29, 2013
Love , hugs, and prayers from your family in Boise Id. My dad , Burl Coursey ,who died in Jan , I am sure has now been reunited with her in Heaven . I know your heart is broken. Please remember that this was part of Gods plan for her and No one could have done anything more to intervene . You held her tight and now you hold her in your heart. Every beat you feel will be her reminder to you that she is still there with you I pray comfort will come. Love to you all Dru Coursey Miller and family
Gilbert Gross
May 29, 2013
I never met Deanna Ward but I was taken by her picture in an online article I read. Her spirit is in that picture wearing a bright yellow t-shirt with the words Happy, Joyous and Free on the front. She reminded me of my own mother. I can tell by her eyes that she was a wonderful woman and I am saddened by her passing. Her family is in my prayers.
Ann Parker
May 28, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Deanna's passing in the tornado. I am heartsick for Mark and the entire family. God be with you all!
May 28, 2013
From one friend of Bill W to another, God Bless and keep you. I'm so sorry for your loss. Tracy D-Chicago Il
KATHY SCHLOTTERBECK
May 28, 2013
R.I.P. GOD HOLDS YOU IN HIS ARMS NOW
Chuck Schoolcraft
May 28, 2013
Mark and Shelly, I am so sorry for your loss. You guys had a awesome relationship that we all wish we had with our mothers. I miss you all and you are in my prayers.
Stephanie Theberge
May 28, 2013
I worked with Deanna at GMH for years she was a great nurse very caring she will be deeply missed. i enjoyed talking to her at walmart when we would run into each other.
Lisa Carrasco
May 28, 2013
I had the pleasure of meeting Deanna visiting one week before she passed. I am so thankful that I got to visit with her! She was a lovely woman! May God be with her family and may she rest in peace, oh Lord! I will not be able to make the funeral but know that I will keep her and your family in my prayers!
Marilyn (Potts) Sundstrom
May 27, 2013
Dear Mark and Shelley, I was so sorry to hear about your mom. Your mom and I re-connected awhile back on fb and I had hoped to pay her a visit next time I was in OKC. So sorry I didn't make it before this terrible tragedy. I am living in California now where Justin and Gretchen live. Once again, my sincerest and deepest sympathy to you both and your families. The world will be a much sadder place without her in it. God's blessing you all. Love and hugs, Marilyn(Potts)Sundstrom, Justin and Gretchen and family.
Judy Heinken
May 27, 2013
Dear Mark and Shelley,
I'm so grateful to be able to call your mom my dear friend. She was my first sponsor and guided me on my recovery journey. She will be deeply missed. Sending you my heartfelt sympathy and condolences. I loved your mother.
May 27, 2013
Steve, Shelley, Mark, DeRae, Jesse and
Memphis-Our thoughts and prayers are with
you. Deanna was a beautiful and loving person. Couldn't have ask for a more wonderful sister-in-law. She will be missed and in our hears forever. Love you, Wendy and Linda
Jessica E
May 26, 2013
Although I was not a close friend to Deanna, from the first time I made her acquaintance and the subsequent times after she was always so kind and warm. Happy, joyous, and free she will now be forever!
Kerri Wilborn
May 26, 2013
I remember her having a smile and kinds words every time I saw her. She will be greatly missed.
Connie Cobb
May 26, 2013
I met Deanna through a friend in AA. We were both new in AA and we quickly became friends. Time went by and we were both busy, so unfortunately, we lost touch with one another. I will always remember her. God bless her family.
Derae Irvin
May 26, 2013
My grandmother was the most kind hearted and loving woman I have ever known she raised me and I'm so thankful for all the time I was able to spend with her my heart is broken, and she will forever be missed by so many people, she was special and truly touched so many people's hearts with her love and compassion I love you grandma <3
Laura Brown Miller
May 25, 2013
I worked with Deanna back in the 1980's at Griffin Memorial Hospital. She was a delight to work with. Funny, kind and very good to the patients as well as her co-workers. My deepest sympathies go out to her family. May God comfort you through this extremely difficult time.
Kristen White (Corcoran)
May 25, 2013
Steve and Shelly- My prayers are with you and your family. We are heartbroken. I remember DeAnna when from when Dustin and I were children. I hope your hearts find peace knowing she is in Heaven.
Jan Heller
May 25, 2013
Deanna was a kind and loving lady who always gave her patients an excellent level of care and compassion.
Mike and Sandra Carter
May 24, 2013
So sorry to hear about your loss. We are lifting your family up in pray.
Jessica E
May 23, 2013
Although I was not a close friend to Deanna, from the first time I made her acquaintance and the subsequent times after she was always so kind and warm. Happy, joyous, and free she will now be forever!
Wayne and Jeanie Friesen
May 23, 2013
My husband and I attended church with Deanna and although we had not seen her in some time please know that she will live in our hearts. The last time we saw her she told us that she had Jesus. It brings us comfort and we hope that our sharing that memory of Deanna will bring comfort to her family and friends as well. She was a wonderful woman.
Scott Chamberland
May 23, 2013
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
Maryellen
May 23, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Deanna Ward. May God Bless and keep you. R.I.P. Deanna.
Gary & Debbie Williamson
May 22, 2013
Deanna was a warm and loving individual who showed great compassion for others. Her passing is a great loss to all who knew her.
Gary & Debbie Williamson
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