Jean Ward Obituary
Jean was born in Missouri and moved at an early age to Southern California where she graduated from Newport Harbor High School. She earned an Art History degree from Stanford University, where she met her husband, Edward F. Ward, Jr. from San Francisco.
Jean and Ed raised their two girls in the Newport Beach area where in her younger years, Jean was an active volunteer for The Assistance League, Children's Home Society, the Orange County Republican Party, and Girl Scouts of America. She loved the Lord and her country. Jean was an active church participant, a member of Lydia, various Bible studies, and prayer groups.
Jean decided late in life to move to Oklahoma for several years, near where her father had been born, and enthusiastically embraced being a Sooner although staying true to her alma mater during national bowl games.
Jean is survived by her brother, Tom Saftig, two daughters, Calene Fleurke (Maarten) and Lea Bobadilla (Kenneth), four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren (with one more on the way) and a few beloved grand-dogs.
Jean is preceded in death by her husband Ed Ward and her parents Myrna Lou Saftig and Ed Reed.
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4 Entries
Kurt Reed Kosek and Norma Kosek
November 1, 2025
Vaya con Dios, cousin Jean.
Kurt Reed and Norma Kosek
Nancy Del Grande
October 27, 2025
What a beautiful legacy Jean left to her family and all of us who had the blessing of knowing her! I´m so honored to have met her 21 years ago sojourning to Israel.
The many prayer groups she hosted, the special trips we made together visiting old friends & reminiscing about the past was so extra special.
Jean came alongside me in a season of hardship - joining her faith in prayer with mine in her kitchen daily for each family member was the best part of what God did in our friendship.
When Jean became sick - she couldn´t talk, but she sure remembered every word of the old hymns we would sing together.
And now to envision Jean young & whole again dancing on streets of gold brings such joy to my heart.
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalms 116:15
Meredith Asher
October 23, 2025
My dear precious sister in the Lord. Absolutely a mentor to me in my walk with the Lord, prayer life , Bible study. Meeting every week for years in her living room, treasured memories. Her love of travel, benefitted the rest of us, who lived and learned vicariously through her access to Christian events and political insiders all over the country. A dynamo who leaves an invaluable legacy . I remain the last of the Lydia group and will never forget those ladies but especially Jean. See you in Heaven. Meredith Asher Photo: Barbara Nota ,Meredith Asher and Jean 1991 Lydia Prayer
Tiffany Fernandez
October 8, 2025
We are so thankful that you brought Jean to the east coast so that we could get to know and love her in person. Her smile is contagious and we will miss her so. Thinking of the entire family and praying for comfort and special memories to flood your hearts and minds.
Love, Lou, Tiffany, Joey & Sadie
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