Crystal Dawn Ward

Crystal Dawn Ward, mother, wife, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at Hillcrest Nursing home in McCook, NE, on May 19, 2025, at the age of 88.

Crystal was born to William W. and Darlene D. (Rains) Carroll on August 1, 1936, in Castana, IA. She grew up in Sioux City, Iowa and Vancouver, Washington where she enjoyed music and playing in band. She specialized in woodwinds and played the saxophone, oboe, and bassoon. Crystal graduated from Ft. Vancouver High School in 1954 where she earned top class honors.

Crystal was a telephone operator in Sioux City, IA prior to her first marriage. Later, she met Eugene R. Ward in Dunlap, IA, and the two were married on April 13, 1970, in Elk Point, SD.

Crystal and Eugene made their home on a farm outside of McCook in the July 1970, raising purebred Hampshire hogs. Later they collected exotic birds and Crystal entertained many busloads of school children who visited the farm.

Crystal was talented at sewing and crocheting. She enjoyed crafting and some of her best work was sold at area crafts shows. Crystal loved her family and plain M & Ms, not necessarily in that order.

Crystal was a member of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in McCook, NE. She was very involved in the church including volunteering. After church, Crystal could be found visiting with friends over coffee and cookies. In her professional life, Crystal worked at the McCook Community College bookstore for several years and also as a secretary at McCook Farm Service.

Crystal is preceded in death by her parents, brother Jim Carroll, sister Bertie DeBauche, and two granddaughters Erin and Erica Bryant.

Those left to celebrate Crystal’s life include her husband Eugene Ward of Gothenburg, NE; children Lory (Gary) Power of McCook, NE, Jeff (Kristin) Melby of Lino Lakes, MN, Dawn (Clark) Andrews of Holbrook, NE, and Luke (Stacie) Ward of Chappell, NE; step-children, John Ward of Kellogg, ID, Mike (Jeanette) Ward of Kennewick, WA, and Peggy Ward of Leiston, ID; 12 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a niece, numerous nephews, and extended family.

Memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, are suggested in Crystal's name to be designated at a later date.

There will be a memorial service for Crystal later this summer, times will be posted upon family's approval.