Louise Hathaway Ward, 90, of Pittsburgh, PA (formerly of the Houston, TX, area), passed away on November 9, 2023, after a heart-breaking battle with Alzheimer’s. She was a wonderful mother, Nana, and friend who was always there when needed.
Louise was born on August 4, 1933, to Goldie and Helen (Royal) Hathaway in Mangum, OK. While in school, she excelled in academics and enjoyed participating in basketball (becoming the student manager) and cheerleading. She graduated from Mangum High School in 1951. After graduation she worked locally for the telephone company. In 1953, she married Donald D. Jones. They lived mostly in southwest Oklahoma where Don was a band director. They had 3 children together. Louise worked at the First National Bank in Hobart, OK, for many years. Following her divorce from Don in 1968, Louise met and married Clayton L. Ward. Louise and her children relocated to Houston, TX, to be with Clayton. Louise soon went to work for Harrisburg Bank, eventually working her way to Officer of Operations. Louise was active in the Houston Safe Deposit Association and held many offices in that organization, including President in 1995-96. She was also active in the Aggie Mother’s Club while her children attended Texas A&M University in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s. Louise and Clayton divorced in 1986. She worked for Harrisburg Bank until her retirement in 1998. After retirement, Louise enjoyed visiting her children and grandchildren, baking (her famous chocolate sheet cake), growing flowers, and spoiling her dogs. She especially loved to spend time with grandson Jordan, taking him to Special Olympics swimming and to school (and, later, to work).
Louise was predeceased by her parents and her siblings, Bobbe Herman (of Spotsylvania, VA), John Hathaway (of Mangum, OK), and Frena Winters (of Mangum, OK). She is survived by her children: Donald D. Jones, Jr. and his wife, Leslie (of Homedale, ID), Melody Geer and her husband, Tom (of Pittsburgh, PA), and Jeff Jones and his wife, Terri (of Orlando, FL). She is also survived by her grandchildren Kimberly Jones, Elizabeth Jones, Jordan Geer, Kayla Geer, Jared Geer, and Brin Jones and her step-grandchildren Adriana Kelley and Avery Kelley. Louise also had a niece (Gina (Herman) Holmgren) and four nephews (Greg Winters, Glen Winters, Gary Winters, and Robert Herman); they and their families will miss Aunt Louise.
Louise’s children would like to thank the staff of Artis Senior Living of South Hills (Bethel Park, PA) and Gateway Hospice (Pittsburgh, PA) for their excellent care of Louise during her final months. Stephen M. Brady Funeral Home (https://www.stephenbradyfuneralhomes.com/) is handling preparation and shipping activities.
Louise will be buried in her hometown of Mangum, OK, in the Riverside Cemetery. There will be a graveside service on November 18, 2023, at 11 a.m. Greer Funeral Home (https://www.greerfuneral.com/) is handling arrangements in Mangum. Visitation will be on Friday, November 17, 6-8 p.m. and on Saturday, November 18, 9-10:30 a.m. at Greer Funeral Home (235 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Mangum).
Memorials for Louise may be made to grandson Jordan’s Special Olympics North Stars Swim Team at https://give.specialolympicspa.org/give/389059/#!/donation/checkout (be sure to indicate that it is a memorial donation on behalf of Louise for the North Stars Swim Team).
To send flowers in memory of Louise Ward, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
17
Nov
235 South Pennsylvania
Mangum, OK 73554
Visitation
18
Nov
235 South Pennsylvania
Mangum, OK 73554
Graveside
18
Nov
115 south Penn
Mangum, OK 73554
Cemetery Details
Location
115 south Penn
Mangum, OK 73554
