Fay R. Ward

June 5, 1949 - September 14, 2026

Fay R. Ward was born June 5, 1949, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Henry Riley and Gertrude Williams Riley. She accepted Christ at an early age, was baptized, and later rededicated her life to Christ.

In 1971, Fay moved from Louisiana to Holbrook, Arizona, where she fell in love with the community and made Holbrook her home. No matter where her travels took her, she always wanted to come home and never wanted to be gone for too long. It was in Holbrook that she built a life defined by faith, family, determination, hard work, and service to her community. On May 20, 1974, she married Oliser Ward Jr., the love of her life, and together they raised three children: Sandra Lewis, Kesha (Julian) Carter, and Oliser (Jen) Ward III.

Fay was a groundbreaker for Black women in her community. After arriving in Holbrook, she worked for many years as a telephone operator with Contel. Never one to shy away from hard work or believe that any door or opportunity was closed to her, Fay became one of the first women in Northern Arizona to join the labor union. Her work took her throughout Northern Arizona, including working on the Route 66 Highway Bypass in Holbrook. Fay took great pride in her work and demonstrated the determination, strength, and work ethic that would become part of the legacy she passed on to her family.

Fay eventually began what would become her final career with Arizona Public Service (APS), working as an operator at Cholla Power Plant. She learned the systems, worked diligently, and shared that knowledge with her family. She encouraged her husband to pursue employment in the power industry as well, helping create a path that would extend beyond the two of them. Fay retired from APS in 2012, but the legacy she built continued through her children and into the next generation. She was especially proud that her daughters and son followed the path she helped establish, with her son later continuing that legacy with his own sons.

Fay believed through both her words and her example that hard work, perseverance, and courage could make a way where one did not already exist. These were among the lessons she passed on to her children and grandchildren.

Fay also touched many lives throughout her community. She and her husband built a rental business from the ground up, beginning with the first trailer they owned and once called home in 1977. Over the years, that business became more than an investment - it became another way for Fay to help meet the needs of others by providing housing within her community. Her generosity extended beyond material things. Fay shared kind words of encouragement, offered a listening ear, and provided support to those who needed it.

Fay enjoyed life. She loved flowers, traveling, good food, spending time in her yard, and laughing with and enjoying her family and friends. These were the moments that brought her great joy.

Fay passed away on September 14, 2026, at the age of 77.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Oliser Ward Jr.; her sister, Maxine Riley; her daughters, Sandra Lewis and Kesha (Julian) Carter; her son, Oliser (Jen) Ward III; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; along with a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry Riley and Gertrude Williams Riley; her brothers, Henry Riley Jr., affectionately known as "Lala," and Willie Riley, affectionately known as "Mickey"; and her sister, Gertrude "Bebe" Riley Brown.

Fay's life was one of faith, family, perseverance, service, and making a way. The doors she walked through - and sometimes helped open herself - became pathways for those who came behind her. Her legacy lives not only in what she accomplished, but in the lives she touched, the family she loved, the lessons she taught, and the generations who continue along the path she helped create.

Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. at the First Baptist Church in Holbrook, Arizona. There will be a viewing the night prior from 4:00-6:00 P.M at Owens Livingston Mortuary Holbrook Chapel.