Hubert (Bert) Ward

Hubert (Bert) Ward passed away on June 12, 2019, at Oceanview Assisted Living Facility in Newport, Oregon after a week of special goodbyes from his immediate family. He was 93. Hubert Bennett Ward was born on June 1, 1926, in Sioux City, Iowa to Hubert and Helen Stines Ward.

Bert served in the Navy as a corpsman in Hawaii, San Diego, California and Great Lakes, Illinois. He graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Forestry. Bert started his career with the United States Forest Service working on the blister rust crew in Northern Idaho. He was a Forest Ranger at Noxon, St. Regis and Nine Mile Ranger Stations. He completed his career in the Supervisor’s Office in Libby. He was very proud of his USFS career, which spanned from 1947 to 1981.

Bert married Blanche Pelleberg on February 16, 1957, in Newport, Washington. They were married for 55 years. They created a loving family and had an amazing network of friends. They enjoyed traveling, especially to visit family around the country. They loved the Oregon Coast so it was fitting for Bert to spend his last days in that area.

Bert was well known for his quick wit as well as the gatherings in his yard by the pond in Libby. He enjoyed playing cards and dice with his friends and family as well as putting together complicated picture puzzles. Bert was a talented woodworker, creating roll top desks, tables, custom Adirondack chairs and many more projects. After retirement he enjoyed fishing, gardening, floating the Kootenai River and gold panning. He and Blanche created a beautiful yard with a lush lawn and beautiful flower gardens. Many of the flowers were cultivated by Bert in his greenhouse. Bert was a member of the Lions Club and Elks Club.

Bert is survived by his children: Barbara Ward; Bob Ward and wife Robin Jerke; Evelyn and husband Dr. Clint Hilt; son in law Glenn Glazebrook and wife Danielle. Grandchildren: Blair Ward; Ian Glazebrook and fiancé Kayla Stockdale; Alisha Ratcliff and husband Tyler; Paul Bissell and wife Denise Montgomery; Aaron and Patti Bissell; Ryan Medeiros. Great grandchildren: Jasper, Sarah, Piper and Lauren Ratcliff; Olivia Bissell; Flint Bissell.

Bert was preceded in death by his wife Blanche, his daughter Kathy Glazebrook, his sisters Helen Ward and Evelyn Lohman and brother Ken Ward.

Memorials may be made to the Libby, Montana Hospice and Libby Chapter of Elks Club.

Deceased’s funeral arrangements. No services are planned.