Anita (Dolly) Ward

Anita (Dolly) Ann (Murphy) Ward, 77, of Denver passed away Monday, July 14, 2025 at her home. In keeping with Dolly’s wishes there will be no formal visitation or funeral services. Memorials can be directed to Black Hawk Wildlife Rehabilitation Project or any organization of your choice.

Dolly was born October 13, 1947, in Waukon, the daughter of Charles and Anita Murphy. She graduated from Waukon in 1965 and later graduated from The University of Northern Iowa in accounting and got her CPA. Dolly was married to the love of her life, Gary Ward, for 59 years.

Dolly was Vice President of internal auditing for Waterloo Savings Bank for 17 years. Dolly loved working in her garden, feeding the wild birds and animals in her yard, and spoiling her cats. She especially enjoyed spending time with her four grandchildren.

Dolly is survived by her husband, Gary Ward of Denver; her daughter, Lori (Dave) Wallace of Waverly; four grandchildren, Burke, Jack, Daniel and Allison; three siblings, Chuck (Virg) Murphy of Florida, Brian (Sue) Murphy of Rossville, and Cindy (Rick) Reinhardt of Waukon.

Dolly was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Anita Murphy; and a brother, Larry, and sister-in-law Alice Murphy.