Marilyn Ward passed away on June 25, 2026, at the age of 97. Born in Santa Cruz to William and Wanda Schuette, the family resided on Beach Hill where she and her younger brother Bill grew up attending Santa Cruz City Schools, enjoying the organic produce from the family’s ‘Victory Garden’, canoeing around the municipal wharf, and roller skating down 2nd Street Hill through the revolving doors of the Casa Del Rey Hotel. Marilyn graduated from Santa Cruz High School where she was a good student and athlete. She was president of the Spanish Club, and pitcher for the Softball Team.

After graduation, Marilyn worked as a bookkeeper in downtown Santa Cruz for Haber’s Furniture. She soon married Donald Ward and together they raised two daughters, Lynn, and Margaret. They built a home on the Eastside where they happily resided for over 70 years.

Marilyn enjoyed playing piano, gardening, swimming at the beach, as well as daily walks and bike rides in her neighborhood, and taking care of her granddaughter, Ashley. She was kind to everyone and always showed up with a pot of soup, flowers or vegetables from her garden, or anything she felt would be helpful for family, neighbors, or lost animals. She volunteered for the PTA, the election board, and the local Spay and Neuter Clinic for the SPCA, as well as helping fund raise for various charities. She also attended the United Methodist Church of Santa Cruz, hosting one of their Upper Room groups in her home for pizza twice a month for several years.

She is survived by her daughters, Margaret Ward (Jim); Lynn Scally (Bill); granddaughter, Ashley Scally; brother, Bill Schuette (Cindy); close family friend, Pam Strong; and numerous friends/neighbors, cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Visiting Angels for their dedicated, loving care; the wonderful staff and owners of Maple House II for their tender attention and loving care the last couple of years of Marilyn’s life; as well as Hospice of Santa Cruz County (Scotts Valley) for all their support and contribution to her care and comfort over the years, including all the talented singers and music players who volunteered their time to entertain Marilyn.