A memorial service will be held August 14, 2004 in Homer, after which her cremated remains and those of her husband Floyd Ward will be scattered in Kachemak Bay per their wishes.

Mrs. Ward was born Dec. 7, 1931, at Eden, Idaho, to Francis and Dora Sexton. Raised with a strong work ethic, Wanda did well at most anything she put her hand to and continued working after her four children were born. She moved to Alaska in 1965, working as an accountant for the U.S. Coast Guard in Ketchikan and Juneau, where she married Floyd Ward in 1967. Floyd's work with the FAA took them throughout southern Alaska. While stationed in Kodiak she managed the City Dock office and then operated the Civilian Club, the last Civil Service Club in the U.S. Moving to Homer in 1975, she was office manager for the infamous George Ferris drill rig. Together with Jack Griffith they owned and operated the Yah Sure Club.

Floyd and Wanda tried retirement in 1977 and traveled the U.S. by motor home, settling in Las Vegas in 1984. Wanda worked there as an accountant for several of the major casinos, retiring officially in 2000.

Wanda was a loving mother and grandmother, and though strong willed, had a quick sense of humor and compassion for the underdog. She loved raising dachshunds, with several generations as family since the late 1960s.

Wanda is survived by her brother Billy Sexton Jr., and her four children, Jim McNary of Spokane, Wash., Kelly McNary of Fresno, Calif., Tim McNary of Orlando, Fla., and Patrick McNary of Homer. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren, Shawn McNary, Onie McNary, Heather McNary, Patrick McNary, Michelle McNary, Rachael McNary, Jessica McNary, Katie McNary, and Emma McNary; and one great granddaughter, Samantha McNary, and her longtime friend and partner Scott Mize. Wanda was blessed with many long time, close and loving friends.

Wanda was preceded in death by her first husband, Onie McNary, and her second husband, Floyd Ward.