Dawna Marie Hastie

The scriptures speak of Jesus Christ as the light of the world and of how those who follow His example will share that light. On May 8, 1942, Dawna Marie Ward brought light into the world of her parents Kenneth Leland Ward and Marie Elizabeth Noorda, when she was born in Ogden, Utah. She also brought light to her siblings and many others who knew her.

Dawna received her patriarchal blessing in November 1959. This special spiritual gift promised her wisdom, strength to meet her various responsibilities, and the talents necessary for her own salvation-as well as for that of her family, associates and the furtherance of the Lord's work.

Dawna graduated from Pendleton High School in 1960. She also received certificates for her years attending seminary in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She attended Brigham Young University for a short time, and though she enjoyed her studies, she did not feel the urgency to obtain a degree.

Before Dawna lost most of her vision she was an avid reader. She read church leadership biographies and her bookshelves were full of novels with religious undertones.

Dawna shared her unique light-and that of the Savior through happily serving in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She constantly strove to follow the Savior and bring light to those around her, including her time as a missionary in Florida.

Because of her musical talent she was often found playing the piano during relief society meetings or playing the organ for sacrament and other services in the chapel. For several years, she and her sister Marilyn performed a piano duet as a Mother's Day gift for their mom. Dawna also spent several years working with Renae, the ward choir director, to produce lovely Easter and Christmas programs.

Dawna always found joy being busy with church, family and work. Some of her favorite jobs included running a reception center early in her marriage; working for the IRS; serving as receptionist for a friend; working with Marilyn at SPS Payment Systems; and finally, her time at the Church Distribution Center. In this last role, she shared her love of reading by purchasing scripture sets for each of her twelve grandchildren.

Even though Dawna came from a family that loved to sew, she did not. She only sewed out of necessity-though occasionally, she would do a little cross-stitch. One hobby she thoroughly enjoyed, however, was gardening. She could name every annual and perennial and had wonderful success with houseplants, bearded irises, bleeding hearts, pansies, snapdragons and more.

She and her sister loved peonies and roses, though they never grew them in their yard. For many years, Dawna also maintained a vegetable garden in her back yard. She loved canning and preserving the bounty that flourished under her care.

Her life was blessed with even more of the light of Christ through the births of her children: Trevor W. Hastie (Tami), Barbara J. Tracy (Brian), Annmarie Bunting (Paul) and Crystal D. Paskett (Christopher). Her joy continued as their spouses joined the family and again with the arrival of her twelve grandchildren.

Dawna is preceded in death by both her parents; her eldest brother, Leland W. Ward, and his spouse Sharon; her younger sister, Marilyn Ann Ward; and sister-in-law, Shirley V. Ward. She is survived by her older brother Ray L. Ward (Gloria), and youngest sister, Kathleen Crawford (Jay).

Although Dawna and her delightful presence have passed from this earthly existence, her light will continue to shine through her children, grandchildren, and in the memories of those who knew and loved her.

Services to be held following Memorial Day

Viewing: Tuesday, May 27, 2025 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Russon Mortuary & Crematory 1585 W 300 S, Syracuse, UT 84075

Funeral Services: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 11:00 a.m.

Syracuse, Utah 4th Ward 1625 South 1100 West Syracuse, UT 84075  (Lovingly referred to as "the white chapel")

Viewing prior to the service Wednesday from 9:45 am to 10:45 am at the church.