Esther Patterson Ward, age 95 formerly of Norton, Kansas passed away on November 14, 2023, in Missouri. She was born August 15, 1928, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, the daughter of Herbert and Florence Patterson.

Esther graduated from Oklahoma State University and then moved to Norton, Kansas to teach high school English and Spanish. She met her husband of 60 years, John "Jack" Ward in Norton, and married on September 26, 1949. Jack preceded her in death March 12, 2010. After Jack's passing, she moved to Missouri from Norton to be closer to family.

Esther enjoyed playing bridge, golfing, reading and flower gardening in her spare time. She served as the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Organist for many years.

Survivors include her three sons, Stan of Panama City Beach, FL; Mark and wife Katy of Springfield, MO; Dave and wife Donna of Hays, KS.  One daughter, Susan Austin and her husband Skip of Hollister, MO. as well as 12 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband and a grandson, Matthew Thomas Ward.

A private family graveside service will be held at a later date in the Norton City Cemetery.

Esther will be remembered and dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.