Kay Cowan Ward, born December 19, 1937 left this life on July 13th, 2019 to be with her Father in heaven. Kay was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend to many. She was admired for her faith, will, and intellect. Kay was predeceased by her husband, Allen Wayne Ward, and is survived by her son Kelly Wayne Ward and daughters, Pamela Kay Ward and Leslie Ward Umfleet. Kay has eleven grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
Kay was a woman defined by her ardent faith in Jesus, as demonstrated by her commitment to First Presbyterian Church in downtown Tulsa. At First Presbyterian, Kay was actively involved in several Bible studies, the greeter ministry, Helping Hand Ministry, Awana, Sisterhood of Widows, and others. Additionally, Kay and her husband, Wayne, spent over a decade working and serving the Lord in Hong Kong.
Second only to her faith was Kay's passion for education, both for herself and for others. She began her undergraduate studies at the University of Alabama and finished with her BA in Speech Communications at Oklahoma State University. She continued her education at Oral Roberts University receiving her Masters in Teaching English as a Second Language "TESL", which she used while teaching English to professionals in Hong Kong. Her education didn't stop with her degrees, and you could always find Kay with a book, ready to engage in thoughtful debate.
Kay is survived by her three children and their children. Kay's son Kelly Wayne Ward and wife LeeAnn have four children, Leslie Ward, KT Ward, Michelle Ward and Tucker Ward. Kay's daughter Pamela Kay Williams has four children including son, Christopher Robuck and wife Wendy who have one daughter Zoey. Son Daniel Stone who has a son Mac. Daughter Cindi Robertson and husband Rob have a daughter Emmi and son Maddox. Daughter Rebekah Guill and husband Hugh who have a daughter, Smith. Kay's daughter Leslie and husband Michael have son Hudson Rucker, daughters Paige Umfleet and Kara Hamilton with husband Mark.
Kay was a woman of great strength, passion, and resilience. She was a 12 year breast cancer survivor. She worked up until just weeks before her passing, and continued to speak her mind until her last days of life. Those who knew her well admired her straightforward nature, and many looked to her for advice. She will be greatly missed.
A memorial service will be held Thursday, July 18th at 2pm at First Presbyterian Church - 709 S. Boston Ave., Tulsa, OK.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:
Masterwork Academy for Faith and Fine Arts, First Presbyterian Church, Tulsa, OK
A local mission operated through First Presbyterian Church of Tulsa providing art and music to underprivileged children.
www.firstchurchtulsa.org
OR
Clarehouse
7617 S. Mingo Rd.
Tulsa, OK 74133
(918) 893-6159
Facebook: Clarehouse