Dorleen S Ward

Dorleen Sylvia Ward, age 96, of McCook, NE passed away at her home outside of McCook on Wednesday, January 18, 2023. 

Dorleen was born July 25, 1926 in Hampton, NE to parents William Philip and Christina (Schaffert) Orman. She was one of five children. The family moved from Hampton to Hayes Center, Nebraska before making McCook their home. Dorleen started school in a rural school near the farmstead. The sisters rode a horse to school and Dorleen would always get the tail-end where she would slide off into the weeds. Dorleen attended parochial school where she was confirmed. She graduated from McCook High School with the Class of 1943. 

Dorleen married Ralph D. Ward on November 4, 1945 at Peace Lutheran Church. To this union, one son, Mike, was born. 

Dorleen was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church. She enjoyed crocheting, crafts and gardening.  She began working at the McCook Air Force Base after graduation. She then worked in the JC Penney’s Catalog Department in 1970 and transitioned to social work as a welfare officer in 1977 where she worked until her retirement. 

Dorleen was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph Ward; and siblings, Lillian Reiners, Velma Happold, Lavonne Clapp and Willy Orman.

Those left to celebrate her life include her son, Mike (Corinne) Ward of McCook; grandchild, Brianna Ward and step grandchild Robert Hallowell; step great grandchildren, Jadine and Dalton Hallowell; and numerous nephews, nieces and extended family members. 

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