Remsen- Debra L. (Luther) Ward, 64, of State Rt. 12, wife of James L. Ward passed away while surrounded by the loving care of her husband and family, on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY.
Debra was born in Gouverneur, N.Y. on April 13, 1959, a daughter of Milton and Irma LaVanche Luther, Sr. She grew up in Carthage, Constableville and Turin, where she graduated from South Lewis High School, with the Class of 1977.
On December 2, 1978, Debra was united in marriage with James L. Ward, in Lyons Falls, NY. Thereafter the couple lived in the Village of Remsen for a time, before moving to their present home many years ago.
For 27 years she was employed as a cook at the Ok Corral, Remsen. Later for many years until she retired due to illness, Debra was employed as an elder care giver for the Resource Center for Independent Living of Utica.
She greatly enjoyed gardening, raising flowers and vegetables and also canning the produce of her gardens. Debra also enjoyed hunting with her husband, Jim, as well as camping on North Lake in their restored 1961 camper. She was a talented musician who excelled in playing the guitar.
In addition to her husband, James, Debra is survived by two sons and a daughter, Jeremy (Eleanor) Ward, Stittville, Jennifer Helmer, Remsen and her partner, James Watson, Whitesboro; son, Jason Ward and his partner Victoria Bennison, Holland Patent; grandchildren, Dallas Ward, Zoe Ward, Grady Helmer, Cory Helmer, Nathan Bennison, Elizha Fernandez and Jeremy Ward, Jr; one brother, Milton (Kathy) Luther, Albany; four sisters, Joyce Buckley, NJ, Juanita Fazekas, Turin, Marie and Dale Hutton and Denise Sawyer, all of Gouverneur; her mother in law, Jean Ward Lyons Falls and by her greatly beloved canine companion, “Riley.” She was predeceased by her parents, Milton and Irma Luther, Sr. and by a sister, Laurie DeShane and a niece Kendra DeShane, nephew, Kevin Ward, Jr. and by a granddaughter Brooklynn Ward.
In keeping with her wishes, there will be no calling hours or services. Contributions in her memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Her arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. Boonville.
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