Lucille E. Ward

Lucille Eldri Ward, 85, of Grafton and formerly of Lankin, ND died peacefully Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at the First Care Health Center in Park River, ND with the love and support of her family.

Lucille was born on May 2, 1939 on the family farm in Salol, Minnesota to Olaf and LaVerna (Bloom) Brenhaug.  On September 17, 1955 she was united in marriage to Roger Olson at the Moe Lutheran Church in Roseau, Minnesota. Born to this union were Lynn Ann (Craig Grassel), Bismarck, ND, Cynthia (Dan Schmit), Lankin, ND, Julie (Keith Gemmill), Fordville, ND and Tracy Olson (Kim) Fordville, ND.  Lucille married Lawrence (Buzz) Ward on January 4, 1963 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.  Randy Ward (Lynn) Warroad, MN and Marlys (Dave Severson) Grafton, ND were born to this union. Lucille and Buzz blended their children into one family including Ricky Ward, Buzz‘s son from a previous marriage. Lucille’s greatest joy was being a loving mother.

Jesus was Lucille’s best friend and she lived her life as a gift of ministering to anyone and everyone. Lucille's life’s work was to advocate for people that did not have a voice. She worked with people with special needs for 21 years. She also worked at the elementary schools in Fordville and Lankin in the cafeterias. She enjoyed cooking so much that after retirement she cooked for the Lankin Senior Center. According to Lucille, this was a job she totally loved. She also enjoyed coordinating the annual Lankin Auxiliary Blood Drive for 7 years. Lucille was blessed to go to Israel in 1987 to work on the Blooming Rose archeology dig. Her love of gardening was appreciated by many. People would ask to have graduation pictures in her yard. Lucille also loved to knit, crochet and do beadwork. Her love for family pets over the years was special.  Lucille’s love for God and her faith were apparent in everything she did. She loved the promise that God gave us in His beautiful rainbows.

Lucille was special to each of her grandchildren. They include Lisa (Kris Jacobson) Edmond, OK, Carl Grassel (Katy) Churchill, MT, Jacob Grassel( Susan) Victoria, MN, Christon Linstad (Jennifer Burrell) Virginia Beach, VA, Tricia (Scott Ode) Minnetonka, MN, Michael Gemmill Fordville, ND, Tommy Gemmill (Shannon) McCanna, ND, Andy Gemmill (Alexa) Fordville, ND, Jacy (Ryan Whaley) Fordville, ND, Jade Olson (Joey Demers) Oakwood, ND, Erica (AJ Anderson) Baudette, MN, Nick Ward (Kristina Fischer) Glyndon, MN,  Cody Stiefel Grafton, ND, 27 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Lucille’s surviving brother Wesley Brenhaug, resides in Sartell, MN. Lucille also had a very special bond with her niece Kathy (Scott Rustad) Rochester, MN. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Lucille is preceded in death by her parents, husband Lawrence (Buzz), stepson Ricky Ward, 2 great grandchildren, sisters Florence Clark and Barbara Thompson and brother Roger Brenhaug.

A Celebration of Lucille’s life will be held Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 10:30 AM at the Assembly of God Church in Grafton, ND.  Interment will be held at the Oak Grove Cemetery, Fordville, ND following a luncheon in honor of Lucille.  Memorials may be given to First Care Health Center in Park River, ND or to the Lutheran Sunset Home in Grafton, ND in memory of Lucille.