Alma Ward

Alma Gertrude “Gert” Ward, 88, surrounded by her family, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Friday, Aug. 17, 2018. Alma, daughter of the late Oregon Texas Andrews and Alma Osteen, was born May 23, 1930, in Sumter, S.C.

Alma led a very adventurous life. She moved across the country countless times, finding her final home in the Pacific Northwest. Alma was a very hard worker with many careers over the years, but none as important to her as helping to raise her grandchildren. A quote from a dear friend: “Gert was a special lady always thinking of others and always thankful for what she had. God has a special place for her.”

No matter how much or how little Alma had, she was always sharing with everyone around her. Some may remember her for her constant offering of candy and sweets, carrying them with her wherever she went. Affectionately called Grandma Gert by many, she loved to stay up all hours of the night playing games with her kids and their friends, her favorite being Pinochle and Canasta. Alma, a former Reno blackjack dealer, taught all her children and grandchildren to shuffle cards as soon as they could hold them in their hands. She had mechanical knowledge, with a short stint in racing cars. She could tell you something was wrong with your car just by listening while sitting in the passenger seat. Grandma Gert was a lady of many talents. Some of her favorite years were spent at the Black Sheep Warehouse, pricing merchandise and adopting every co-worker as one of her own.

Alma is survived by her sister, Marjorie Lawrence and her affectionately called “sister,” Betty Ryttenberg; as well as her children, Barbara Eliason, Shaun Galpin and Sharon McVay. Also survived by her grandchildren: Steven Eliason, Stephanie Eliason, Megan Everett and Ty Cook; and numerous great-grandchildren, including Skyler Andersen. She was preceded in death by her son, Scott Coble and grandson, Ian Everett.

We would like to thank Hospice of North Idaho Schneidmiller House for the loving care they provided.

There will be a visitation from 4-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2018, at English Funeral Chapel, 1133 N. Fourth St., Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. The funeral service is 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018, at English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d’Alene, with the graveside service following at Riverview Cemetery on Lincoln Way in Coeur d’Alene.