Judith Ann (Katt) Ward, 82, passed away in Phoenix, Arizona on December 18, 2022. Mrs. Ward was born in Decatur, Illinois on May 6, 1940. Her family moved to St. Louis, Missouri when she was in elementary school. She graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Recreation Management from Mac Murray College in Jacksonville, Illinois, and pursued graduate work in special education at Arizona State University. Judy and her husband David Ward moved to Phoenix in 1965.

Mrs. Ward's career was spent mainly in education. Judy developed educational and recreational programs for private agencies, state institutions and elementary schools. She taught special education as well as 4th grade in the Madison School District, where she retired after 20 years of serving students. Judy and her husband were active philanthropists for the John C. Lincoln Health Foundation Guild and the HonorHealth Network. She and David enjoyed traveling and were active members in multiple antique car clubs. Judy also loved her country and was an active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution - Major Winfield Scott chapter. David and Judy's daughter, Donna Christine Ward Erwin, her husband Robert Joseph Erwin, Mrs. Ward's two grandchildren, Joseph David, and Elizabeth Kathryn, along with Elizabeth's husband Zackious Wiliam Gower, and their daughter Isabella Alice provided much love and joy. They all cherished their many times together in Phoenix, traveling in and out of the United States, and at their summer home in Pine, Arizona. Judy is also survived by her brother Karl William (Renee) Katt. She was preceded in death by her father William John Katt (1996), mother Elizabeth Louise Hainline Katt (2003), and husband David Frank Ward (2018).

Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 27 with funeral service at 7:00 pm at Hansen Desert Hills Mortuary, 6500 E. Bell Road in Scottsdale. Flowers are welcomed, or donations in memory of Judy may be directed to HonorHealth Foundation at honorhealthfoundation.org/donate/ Check the in honor box and gifts will be directed per Judy's wishes to the Desert Mission General Fund. Gifts can also be mailed to HonorHealth Foundation 8125 N. Hayden Rd Scottsdale, AZ 85258 writing Judy Ward in the memo line.

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