Ward recognized for 70 years of service

Mrs. Shirley Ward has been a member of the Grange for more than 70 years. Though she was born in Wenatchee, she moved with her family to Leavenworth as an eight-year old and proudly declares "that makes me a local." Shirley is a recent recipient of the Washington State Grange leadership award, graciously accepting the honor and providing a few words of wisdom for the audience. Presented at the annual convention on Saturday, June 29, Mrs. Ward was caught totally by surprise by the honor. When presenting the award, state Master Tom Gwin stated "the leadership demonstrated by Shirley at the local level with Chumstick Grange and the county level with Chelan County Pomona Grange is unparalleled. She is truly deserving of this honor." While accepting the award Shirley says that she was "crying, shaking and laughing."  

When asked about what prompted her to join the Grange all those years ago she casually claimed that "that was just something that you did." The Grange served as the social center of the community, this is where you would meet up with friends, exchange gossip and share general information. The Grange is a very legislatively-minded organization, dedicated to helping farmers, it is the oldest farmers organization in the world and speaking to Shirley is like having a living, breathing time-capsule of it's history.    

                  Shirley currently serves as the treasurer of the Chelan County Pomona Grange and as the secretary of the Chumstick Grange. Until recently Shirley served as the secretary of the Roving Granges, a group affiliated with the Grange Camper Association.  Another of her many roles was serving as the state Grange Master for Chelan County and as a member of the State Lecturer Committee along with her husband Lloyd who was the North Central District Grange Youth director.  Never one to stay idle, Shirley can be found each holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas at the Chumstick Grange hall, acting as chairperson of the holiday bazaar during the Christmas lighting festival and manning the Grange's bake sale table as well. The State Grange Leadership award is the highest honor designated by the Washington State Grange.  Overall, Mrs. Ward is a wonderful lady with a wealth of knowledge and there couldn't be a more deserving recipient of this honor.