Neta Katherine Ward

Neta was born on August 23, 1936 to Jessie and Susie Tucker in Levelland, Texas. She graduated from Abernathy High School, Abernathy, Texas, in 1955. She enjoyed being a tomboy as a child and played basketball and held several part-time jobs during high school, including waiting tables and tending the snack counter at the local drive-in theater.

She married Daniel F. Ward on November 9, 1956. They moved to New Mexico in 1962 and continued to live in New Mexico for the remainder of their lives. They had two children and enjoyed an active and loving life, living in several different communities throughout the years and becoming involved in school, community, and church activities.

Neta had a successful 45 year career in banking, undertaking a variety of different roles during that time from being a teller in the beginning, to being an auditor before retirement. She enjoyed spending time with her family, attending church functions, dancing with Dan, and camping. She loved her hats and had a variety to choose from to keep from getting sunburned, as her mother always told her to stay out of the sun. She spent as much time as possible with her grandchildren and utilized her 2 week vacation every summer to have them visit. We think Neta missed her calling to be either a dentist or a hairdresser, as she could be counted on to pull the loose teeth of her children and grandchildren and was sure to wash their hair so she could put “rollers” in them. We have many photos that attest to both!  

Neta was predeceased by her husband, Daniel, her parents, three brothers, and her beloved little dog Bitsy. She is survived by one brother-in-law (Nelson), one sister-in-law (Shirley), her son Danny (Lisa) and daughter Melissa (Lewis), 6 grandchildren (Amanda, Anthony, Danielle, Rachel, Brecque, Chelsea) and their spouses, 19 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.

A memorial service and burial will take place at Santa Fe National Cemetery on Friday, November 22, 2024, at 1:00 pm.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9