Fontina Louise Ward

Fontina "Louise" Ward passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, surrounded by family and friends, in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. She was 97 years old. 

Louise was born on May 7, 1928, in Perrysburg, Ohio, the youngest of three children born to Myrtle Mae Anderson and James Ovid Stanford. From an early age, she embodied a quiet strength, creativity, and independence that would define her long and meaningful life. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Milton Ward; her sister, Lois; her brother, Clyde; her eldest daughter, Kathleen R. Abouzarha (Mohamed), her cherished great-grandson, Brandan Wise; and her companion of six years, Marvin Parker.

 Louise is survived by her loving children, Lauri Copeland of Arvada, Colorado, Martin Ward (wife, Cynthia) of Lakewood, Colorado and son-in-law Mohamed Abouzarha of Burlington, Massachusetts. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren-each of whom shared a deep and enduring bond with her and were a constant source of pride and joy. 

A devoted mother and grandmother, Louise was also a true entrepreneur and creative spirit. She owned and operated her own beauty salon, building both a livelihood and lasting relationships through her work. In her free time, she poured her heart into her garden, crafting, sewing, and tailoring, caring for animals, and creating beauty wherever she could. She especially treasured trips to Black Hawk to enjoy the penny slots with her best friend of more than 30 years, Roseanne Robinson-friendship, laughter, and adventure always close at hand.

Louise inspired everyone who knew her with her tenacity, warmth, and passion for life, which remained strong well into her late 90s.

 She was a friend to everyone she met and found joy in life's simple pleasures-a glass of white zinfandel on her patio, surrounded by flowers she lovingly tended, and a good conversation with neighbors and friends. 

Louise will be remembered for her generosity of spirit, her creativity, her resilience, and her unwavering love for her family. She leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness, and connection that will be carried forward by those who were fortunate enough to know and love her.