Joy Ward

Joy E. Ward, age 90, resident of McVille, ND, formerly Tolna, ND passed away Friday, July 20, 2012 at the Nelson County Health System - Care Center.

Joy was born February 5, 1922 to Charles and Anna (Stenseth) Christofferson on the family farm in Benson County, ND. She was baptized at Hamar Lutheran Church. She attended grade school at Minco School and high school at Hamar High where she graduated. Joy married Denzil Wesley Ward, June 21, 1940, at the McVille Lutheran Church. Joy & Denzil began their married life on a farm north of Tolna. They lived in Tolna until 1950 when they purchased a farm just north of Hamar. They farmed there until they purchased Wards Market in Hamar. She operated the grocery store from 1955 thru 1960. She became postmaster in Hamar, June 6, 1958. She operated the grocery store and post office until the store was sold, and then they moved the post office into its own building (attached to their home). On June 30, 1973 she became postmaster in Nekoma, ND. She was there until July 15, 1977, then became postmaster in Tolna. She was postmaster in Tolna until she retired on June 3, 1986. Joy & Denzil continued living in Tolna after they retired. Denzil died July 12, 2002. Joy lived in her own home until February of 2007, at that time she made her home in the Nelson County Care Center. Joy was very active in the church. She served in ladies aide at both Hamar and Tolna for many years. She served in many capacities in the Senior Center in Tolna holding the office of secretary for many years. She and Denzil loved to fish, many hours spent in the Tolna Dam and at Black Tiger Bay. They loved traveling with Clayton and Kathy to see the grand children and the country.

Joy will be deeply missed by her children, Darlene and her husband Doug Carlson, Clayton and his wife Kathy, Rick and his wife Deanna. Eight grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. Sisters in law, Marlene Christofferson, Ursul Johnson, Ura Anthony and Unice Forde. Brother in law, Sydney Haas, and many nieces and nephews.

Joy was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sister Gen and brothers Lester, Orlo, Elwood & Bud.

Memorial services for Joy will be held Thursday, August 2, 2012 at 2:00 PM in the American Lutheran Church in Tolna, ND. Interment will be in the Tolna Cemetery.