- Date Of Birth: August 7, 1918
- Date Of Death: January 15, 2021
- State: California
Escondido- Margaret Elizabeth Ward Lorden Gebhart, beloved mother, cherished grammie, great-grandma, aunt and friend passed away peacefully on January 15, 2021 at the age of 102. Beth was born to Thomas and Margaret Steele Ward on August 07, 1918 in Norton, Kansas. She was raised by loving parents, was the second born and first daughter of ten children. At three months old she contracted polio and was not expected to survive. After countless surgeries she proved all wrong, and enjoyed a fulfilling life.
Margaret graduated with honors from Norton Community High School, completed business school in Denver, Colorado and moved to Los Angeles, California. There she later met her beloved husband, Sgt. James Joseph Lorden, and the two were married at St.
Margaret Elizabeth was a woman of great faith.
Beth was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, nine siblings, three children ( Victoria Lorden, Maureen MackNair, Jim Lorden) and several nieces and nephews. She is survived by two daughters: Cheryl Jensen, Teresa Whiting (John), in-laws, nine grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews who will all remember her as always having a full cup of joy, wisdom, levity, and genuine goodness to share with everyone. She will also be remembered for her love of playing cards and games, full of her clever antics. One of her most precious memories was attending Ward family reunions. She was very fond of her extended family and kept a special place in her heart for all of them.
As stated by friends and family, Beth was an inspiration, a mentor, a kind soul of positivity, had true interest in others, and was young at heart. She lived a full life and taught others to do the same. She enjoyed a long, happy, faith-filled, and blessed life surrounded by family and friends. She was a one in a million grammie! She lived and laughed and loved and left and the world will never be the same. (James Joyce) May she rest in peace. Amen.
