Long-time Sheridan resident Dorcas Ward, 90, passed away October 29, 2018.
Born on November 10, 1927 in Miles City, Montana she was the oldest of three children for Dorcas and Perry Ingalls. Dorcas grew up in Miles City and Bellingham, Washington and graduated from Montana State College in Bozeman where she met her husband Jim (James) Ward. The couple – both educators – married August 20, 1950 and moved to Sheridan following a teaching assignment in Havre, MT.
Dorcas and Jim grew their family through the adoption of two daughters, Kat (Kathey) Oropeza and Tamra (Tammy) Ward. Both girls grew up with parents who loved and supported them, and instilled in them the importance of family and faith. Memories of fresh baked bread after school, homemade cinnamon rolls, and aroma of the family’s favorite spaghetti and meatballs cooking on the stove on a cold winter’s day are synonymous with the woman her girls called mom.
Dorcas loved, and was a constant presence in the lives of her grandchildren, D.J. and Cassie. As Gram, she taught them the joy of cooking, the importance of dinners around the family table, fully celebrating holidays and traditions. Later in life Cassie played an invaluable role in her Gram’s life; assisting her with the day-to-day of living. Gram also loved her great-grandchildren, and delighted in hearing their stories and watching them grow.
A home economist by training, Dorcas taught at the Wyoming Girl’s School and served as the Meals Director for the Sheridan Senior Center. She was active with Homemakers and First United Methodist Women.
Dorcas is proceeded in death by her husband Jim (1999) and her daughter Kat (2018). She is survived by her daughter Tamra (Dustin Whistler) Ward of Denver, Colorado; son-in-law, Nick Oropeza (Kat Oropeza); and grandchildren D.J. (Amy) Bowman of Idaho Falls, Idaho and Cassie (Cory) Rehder of Dayton. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren Xander, Caydon, Zoe and Garen Bowman; Megan and Hailey Rehder and Isaac, Evan and Macy Whistler.
A Celebration of Life will be at 10:30 a.m., November 3, 2018 at the First United Methodist Church. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the First United Methodist Church, 215 W. Works, Sheridan, WY 82801.
Online condolences may be written at www.kanefuneral.com.
Kane Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.
