Emma Lou Ward

Emma Lou Wheat Ward was born in Salt Lake City, UT on December 21, 1929, to Charles M (Chick) and Emma Neff Wheat. She lived a long and meaningful life, building a life filled with purpose and leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, kindness, hard work, and service that will live on for all generations to come.

Her faith was an important part of who she was. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She faithfully served in many callings in her ward and stake including, primary, young women’s and serving twice as Relief Society president. She served in the temple for at least 20 years, with Stan and many years after he passed. They also enjoyed serving a mission together in Florida. Whatever she was asked to do, she served with dedication and love. Her willingness to give of herself reflected her deep faith and her desire to follow the Savior's example.

Emma Lou’s talents, dedication, and generous spirit were evident in everything she did, from her cooking, gardening, handwork and service. She took great pride in sharing her talents with those around her. Her hand quilting was truly remarkable, earning her many top honor ribbons at the Utah State Fair. She showed her love not just through words, but through what she did every day. She served without being asked which is her greatest talent. Emma Lou had a generous heart and a special way of noticing the needs of those around her. She served her friends, neighbors, and family willingly and often without ever being asked. She gave without expecting anything in return. For her, service was not simply something to do; it was a way of life and a natural expression of her love for others.

Though she will be deeply missed, her example will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and neighbors. The seeds of kindness she planted throughout her life will continue to grow in the generations that follow. 

Emma Lou loved her family. Her children and their spouses, 20 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren that are part of her lasting legacy. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Duane (deceased) (Arlene) Ward; Brendalyn (Joe) Baer; Roger (JaLyn) Ward; Bruce (Erika) Ward; and Craig (Lisa) Ward.

She can now enjoy a joyful reunion with her parents, brothers (Lamar, Jerry, David), spouse (Stan), son (Duane), grandchildren (Zachary and Amberlee) as well as other family and friends who she knew and loved during this earth life. What a gathering awaits her. 

Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Emma Lou’s life. A viewing will be held on Friday, October 23, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Services will be held on October 24, beginning with a viewing at 9:30 a.m. followed by the funeral services at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24. Both the viewing and funeral services will be held at the Valley View Stake Center, 3900 South 2245 East, Millcreek, Utah. Interment will follow the funeral services at Memorial Mountain View Mortuary and Cemetery 3115 Bengal Blvd, Cottonwood Heights, UT where family and friends are invited to gather for the dedication of the grave.