Helen A. Ward

 Helen Arline (Miller) Ward was born February 10, 1937, in Richfield, Ohio, the daughter of Philip and Cecilia Miller, and the youngest of eight children.  Helen had one sister, Mary, and six brothers, Robert, Ralph, LeRoy, Charles, Harvard, and Gene.  Helen peacefully passed away of natural causes on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at the age of 87.

Helen met the love of her life, Irpel Ray Ward, in Blissfield, Michigan, and they married on July 2, 1960. Together, they created a beautiful home in El Paso, Texas, where they raised two children who were the joy of their lives.  After 55 years of marriage, Ray preceded Helen in death in 2016.  Helen grieved for and remained fully devoted to Ray until the day she died, and her family takes comfort in knowing that Helen and Ray have now been reunited for eternity. Theirs was a great love!

Helen was a wonderful wife and mother who used her many talents in service to her community and beloved Catholic faith.  She volunteered daily at her church and Childrens’ schools, yet always found time for the many friendships she nurtured throughout her life.  Endlessly creative and crafty, Helen was a beautiful seamstress and gardener, and truly an expert baker.  From the mailman to her grandchildren, everyone looked forward to receiving a surprise plate of Helen’s cookies!

In addition to her husband, Helen was preceded in death by her parents and seven siblings as well as her son-in-law, Lieutenant Colonel Dino Murphy, U.S. Army. She is survived by her children Marilyn Murphy and Charles (Laura) Ward, grandchildren Michael Ray (Randi) Murphy, Alyssa Jade (Dan) O’Donnell, Lauren Elizabeth (Colin) McElligott, Matthew John Ward and Michael Preston Ward, and great granddaughter Layla Rose O’Donnell.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 5:00pm-8:00pm at Sunset Funeral Homes, 4631 Hondo Pass Drive, El Paso, Texas.  There will be a Catholic Mass on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 9:30am.  Interment will follow at Restlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.