Mary Virginia Adams Ward was born at Burns Flat (Washita County), Oklahoma, to John and Lenora (Morgan) Adams and was the youngest of nine children.
She was educated in Oklahoma. After college, Mary was employed by the Federal Government and retired from the Naval Engineering Command in Washington, D.C. During her career with the government, she received many awards and promotions in recognition of her work.
Mary enjoyed her friends and associates gained during employment with the government. She was a people person.
Mary was a member of Easter Star, St. John's Methodist Church, National Association for Female Executives, International Association of Turtles, Inc., Red Hatters, and Cosmopolitan Club.
Her hobbies included bridge, reading, dancing, travelling, gardening, interior decorating, and cooking/entertaining.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Lawrence J. Ward; her sons, John Ward and Larry Ward; her parents, John and Lenora (Morgan) Adams; three brothers and five sisters.
Mary is survived by two grandchildren, Rachel Mary Rea and Johnathon Lawrence Ward; one grandson-in-law; and numerous nieces and nephews.