Ward Jeffs

Ward passed away on January 13, 2023, after a 2-year battle with a rare form of cancer. His wife Naomi & a few of his children were with him as he passed peacefully at his home in Santa Clara,
Ward is preceded in death by his granddaughter Cheyenne (1997) sons Clayne (2001) David (2005) Corey (2022), his parents & a few siblings.
Ward was born on August 13, 1951, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Rulon & LaRue Jeffs. He was one of 11 children; they grew up in a small rock home on 5 acres at the mouth of Little Cottonwood Canyon. Growing up on a farm next to the mountains created a lifelong enjoyment of outdoors & animals for Ward. He graduated from Jordan High School in 1969, later that year Ward was drafted into the Army. He served as a mortarman in south Vietnam as part of the 101st Airborne Division at DaNang.
He married Susan Wayman in July 1972, they had 11 children together, Clayne, Jason, Brenda, Marcus, David, Jennifer, Brandon, Brent, Zach, Chris & Corey. Ward married Sherie Wayman in April 1978, they had 6 children, Jeremy, Monroe, Jerusha, Natasha, William, & ShaeLynn. They all raised their children together in a home they built one block from his childhood home in Sandy, Utah. He also married Martha Musser in 1983, they had 3 children, Jessica, Vanessa & Heather.
In 1997 Ward left the FLDS community with his wives Susan & Sherie and their children. Ward was completely and utterly devoted to his family; his children were his life. He spent endless hours teaching all his children various skills & life lessons that were never forgotten. Ward was a wonderful dad, loving and kind. He played endlessly with them, teasing and instilling personality in all his children who then grew up playful and full of shenanigans.
Ward was a skilled craftsman, his woodwork and finishing skills were second to none. He felt immense joy working with his hands, endlessly building and creating.
Ward had a posterity of 20 children, 23 grandchildren, and one great grandson. Ward was a giant among men, measuring 6 ft. 8 in. tall. His large stature was noticed everywhere he went, thus inviting people to make conversation with him. He enjoyed meeting new people, sharing stories and life experiences. Ward loved to give hugs to family and friends. A hug from him was like being surrounded by a warm blanket.
By 2012 Ward was now single, free to live a nomadic life, during this time he had many adventures. In 2014 he settled in Santa Clara, Utah where he spent the remainder of his life. In 2015 he met Naomi Anderson; they were married in December 2020. Together they continued the semi-nomadic life in their fun bus, living a “Disneyland” life, filled with love and happiness. Ward maintained acceptance & unconditional love for all and a zest for life through his last day on earth.
Funeral services will be held at the Holm Heritage Center, 1065 N. Carling Street in Hildale, Utah on January 28, 2023. Meet and greet of his family from 1:00 – 2:00 pm, funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm. Some of Ward’s last words were “Wear bright colors” so please wear something beautiful and bright to the funeral services if you wish. Ward requested cremation; his ashes will remain with family. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to GoFundMe to assist with funeral expenses. www.gofundme.com/funeral-fund-for-ward-h-jeffs
Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff Street, St. George, Utah. 435-673-2454. Family and friends are invited to leave a memory on Ward’s obituary page at www.spilsburymortuary.com