Jean Bethene (Newman) Ward passed away on March 7, 2017, at Samaritan Evergreen Hospice Home.

Bethene was born to Howard and Verlie Newman on May 22, 1936 in Pendleton, Oregon.  She grew up in Oregon, graduating from Bandon High School in 1954.  In 1966, she and her husband took their young family to Alaska, where she spent the next 20 years.  She eventually returned to Oregon in the late 80's, where she settled in Albany.

Bethene's family fondly remembers her mischievously quick wit, her many creative quotes, her loving nature and huge smile.  She dearly loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She never minced words, was an avid seamstress and loved gardening, camping, fishing, traveling and chocolate.

Bethene was preceded in death by her husband, Oran "Junior" Ward, and her parents, Howard Newman (Sitcum, Oregon) and Verlie Smith (Albany, Oregon).

She is survived by her siblings: Jim Newman of Albany, Oregon and Judi (Newman) Webb of Colleyville, Texas; her children:  Jeannie Shirk of Seward, Alaska, John and Bruce Ward of Anchorage, Alaska, and Teresa Kunkle of Albany, Oregon; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

At Bethene's request, no service will be held.  Her ashes will be scattered in Alaska.

AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling the arrangements