Obituary of Mary Wise Ward

Mary Wise Adkisson Ward passed away peacefully in her sleep, March 22, 2009 at the young age of 91. She was born and raised in Greenville, Texas and earned her Bachelorâ??s Degree and teaching certificate at the University of Texas. Mary taught in Greenville, TX before marrying the love of her life, William Bill Hulon Ward and sharing the next 65 years with him. During WWII the young couple was stationed in Illinois and Texas. Following the war, they moved to Camas, WA where Mary resumed her teaching career. Throughout her thirty years with the Camas School District she taught all grade levels, primarily teaching reading and English. After earning her Masterâ??s degree, she developed a reading program for the District that was later adopted for use in the entire United States. Mary was involved in activities related to education, including PTA and the Alpha Chi chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, a teacherâ??s organization of which she was a charter member and treasurer for almost 20 years. She also supported the activities of her children and husband. She and Bill enjoyed entertaining friends, partying, camping both tent and RV, gathering shellfish, â??snow birdingâ?? in Yuma, AZ during winters, and generally living a full and rewarding life. Internment will be at the Camas Cemetery on Thursday, March 26, at 11:00 am followed at 1:00 pm by a memorial service and reception at the Camas Methodist Church. Mary is survived by her brother, Dr. Mike Adkisson of Greenville, TX; daughter, Judi Baxter Wadley and husband Larry of Camas, WA; son, Bill of Seattle, WA; daughter, Anita Figlar and husband Dick of Pickens, SC; four grandchildren, Selenna & Ward Baxter and Rick & Dave Figlar; and one great-grandchild, Zimri Baxter. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, and brother John Wise Jay Adkisson. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of choice or the Camas Education Foundation, 1919 NE Ione St., Camas, WA 98607. Straubâ??s Funeral Home & Columbia River Cremation in Camas is in charge of the arrangements. To send condolences or sign the online guest book, visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com.