Estelle Ward

Estelle Thatcher Jensen Ward, 104, of Rexburg, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother and friend peacefully passed away Saturday, February 21, 2026, in the comfort of her home. She was surrounded by her family, who loved her dearly.

Estelle was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on August 7, 1921, a child of resilience who came into the world just a few years after the end of World War I and who would grow up during the hardships of the Great Depression. Her mother, Sarah Elise Thatcher, was a strength for her during her trying times. Those early years shaped in her a steady faith, a deep gratitude for simple blessings, and a determination that would guide her throughout her long and meaningful life. Her grandfather Thatcher was extremely influential in her life.

Raised in an era when family and community were everything, Estelle learned early the value of hard work, frugality, and kindness. She carried those lessons into adulthood, building a home marked by warmth, order, and welcome. Whether preparing meals, tending to a garden, sewing for her family, crocheting baby shawls for her great grandchildren or offering a listening ear, she expressed love through quiet service.

Estelle’s life spanned remarkable change — from horse-drawn deliveries and radio evenings to space travel and smartphones — yet she remained grounded in the same principles she learned as a girl: faith in God, devotion to family, and compassion for others. She was known for her gentle wisdom, her steady presence in times of uncertainty, and her unwavering commitment to those she loved.

Her early years were spent between Teton Valley and Salt Lake City. She spent her senior year in the valley and graduated from Teton High School in Driggs, Idaho.

Estelle was the oldest of two children. Her younger brother, Thatcher, looked up to and admired Estelle throughout her life. Thatcher passed away just 4 weeks before Estelle on January 7, 2026, at the age of 96.

Estelle met Rueland Earl Ward, a handsome young man who swept her off her feet and became her best friend. They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple August 7, 1940, and are eternal sweethearts. Rueland passed away 20 years ago, and Estelle has eagerly looked forward to their reunion! They chose to raise their family between their ranch in Felt, Idaho, and home in Rexburg. Estelle worked as secretary for Madison Junior High School for 23 years and loved the youth she got to know over the years.

Above all, Estelle cherished her family. She created a home that was a loving place and central to her family’s comings and goings. Her husband and children knew they were her pride and joy. She took deep joy in children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren celebrating their milestones, attending their many activities, and encouraging their dreams. Her home was a gathering place where stories were shared, laughter echoed, and traditions were passed lovingly from one generation to the next.

Estelle was devoted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and taught her children to follow the Savior. She was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served faithfully in all the auxiliaries of the church. Estelle and Rueland served in the California, San Jose Mission from 1986 to 1988, and serving in the Idaho Falls Temple. Estelle also worked in the Rexburg temple when it was first built.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rueland; daughter, Susan Denise; son, Rueland Lane; Mother Sarah Elise Shaw; and brother, Thatcher; and three great-grandchildren.

She is survived by three children, Jerrie (Wanless) Southwick of Rexburg, Cathy (Rodney) Green of Saratoga Springs, Utah, Kerry (Linda) Ward of Rexburg; 24 grandchildren; 85 great-grandchildren and 33 great-great grandchildren.

Estelle Thatcher Jensen Ward leaves behind a legacy of faith, perseverance, and enduring love. Her life was a testament to the quiet strength of a woman who lived through history not for recognition, but for devotion — to God, to family, and to a life well lived.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 28, in the Westview Ward Meetinghouse located at 210 South 12th West in Rexburg. The service will be conducted by Bishop Jeremy Claridge. There will be a viewing at Flamm Funeral Home Friday evening from 5:30 to 7:00 pm and Saturday morning at the Westview Ward chapel from 10:00 to 10:45 am. Internment will be at the Cache Clawson Cemetery in Tetonia, Idaho.