Dora Marie Ward (Chase), age 96, of Las Cruces, New Mexico passed away on October 10, 2024. 

Dora was born on July 7, 1928 to Frank and Loretta (Heminway) Chase in Nokay Lake Township in Minnesota.   Dora was a 1946 graduate of Crosby-Ironton High School.  She received a diploma in 1950 as a Registered Nurse from St. Mary’s Hospital Duluth for many years. She also worked at Chris Jensen and Miller Dwan Hospital. 

Dora married Peter C. Ward on September 8, 1950.  She was a member of Glen Avon Presbyterian Church for 50 years and became a member of Sonoma Springs Covenant Church in Las Cruces, NM. Dora and Peter spent many years between their cabin on Comstock Lake in Minnesota and their winter home in Las Cruces, New Mexico. 

She was a Past Matron of Zenith Chapter #25, Order of the Eastern Star. Past Queen of Lotus Temple #7, Daughters of the Nile. A member of the 2nd District Nurses until retirement. 

She enjoyed the outdoors – gardening, wild berry picking, hiking & camping.  She knit many hats and mittens for several charities and made many quilts.  She sent many cards to all, so no one would be forgotten. 

Dora is survived by her son, Jeffery “Curley” Ward of Duluth, MN; daughter, Mary Elizabeth Ward of Las Cruces, NM; granddaughter, Kristyn Prokie of Maple Grove, MN; great-grandson, Jaxon Jon Haugen of Maple Grove, MN; and brother, Paul Chase of Palm Bay, FL; sister-in-laws, Irene Chase of White Bear, MN and Viola Chase of St. Paul, MN. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Peter and grandson, Michael Ward; brothers, Donald & Fredrick Chase; sister, Ruby Johnson and brother-in-law, Rudy Johnson and sister-in-law, Irene Chase. 

Memorial Service will he held at 2:00 p.m. on  Saturday, July 12, 2025 in the Chapel at Park Hill Cemetery, 2500 Vermilion Road, Duluth, MN. 

Memorials can be sent to The Daughters of the Nile Foundation for Crippled Children.