Kate Elizabeth Ward
Kate Elizabeth Ward Oct. 9, 1917 - Sept. 9, 2011 Kate Ward loved life and navigated its unpredictable turns with courage, grace, joy and kindness. She climbed fences until she was 80, played bridge into her 90's and when she died, one month short of her 94th birthday, was looking forward to a trip and a really good book.
Born into a family of dirt farmers in Killeen, Texas, she was the only member of her family to graduate from college, working her way through the Texas State Teacher's College (Texas State) by teaching in the tiny White Hall country school. She taught for over 30 years, in Austin at (old) Wooldridge and Matthews Elementary, before becoming one of the city's first school counselors. Oh, how she loved the children.
Good friends and laughter nourished her, as did good food and a game of cards. She loved reading, crossword puzzles, the theater, museums, margaritas and shopping. Although she never poured a cup of coffee before her lipstick and earrings were in place, behind that ladylike exterior lurked the heart and stamina of an adventurer. She lived in Germany and Turkey, shopped in Paris, sampled dim sum in Chinatown, kippers in East London and Old Grouse at the Savoy.
She loved rogues -- male or female, two- or four-legged -- and they loved her. She was an unabashed flirt. Kate outlived two husbands and her son. James D. Quine was killed in 1944 in the service of his country. She married Jesse R. Ward in 1951, and they enjoyed one another for over 50 years.
She is survived by daughters Suzanne Maltin and Raye Elizabeth Ward, both of Austin, granddaughter Karen Wallace of San Francisco, and grand dog Abby.
The family would like to thank friends and caregivers Mary Pratt, Peace Nwolagba, Sophie Adade, Robin Harris and Donna Gode, for the comfort, joy and companionship they gave so unselfishly. Dr. Robert Raley and his wonderful assistant Selena Alejo made it possible for Kate to spend her last months at home, and the Reverends Ralph Underwood and Sid Hall were reminders of God's grace. Special thanks also to Pat Thomas and St. John's Methodist Church.
Please join us in honoring Kate at a memorial service and reception next Monday, Sept. 19, at 3:00 p.m. at St. John's United Methodist Church, 2140 Allandale Rd., or by making a donation to St. John's in her name.
Published in Austin American-Statesman on September 14, 2011
