Loudeen Davidson Mardaugh Ward

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Loudeen (Lou) Davidson Murdaugh Ward, beloved wife of Hugh Wallace (Wally) Ward, died Oct. 23, 2011. Born Ludeen Lenell Davidson in Oil Trough, Ark., on May 10, 1926, she spent her childhood and teen years in Manila and after marriage moved to California.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Laura and Robert Allen Davidson, two sisters and two brothers.

She is the mother of Allen Murdaugh of Fair Oaks, Calif., and Danny Murdaugh of San Jose, Calif.; stepmother of Gary Ward of Kelsey, Calif., Susanne Ward of Rockport, Maine, and Sandra Humphrey of Sandy, Utah; sister of R.A. Davidson, LeeVon Davidson and Bertha Crabtree, all of Manila; grandmother of Allison, Kelley, and Daniel Murdaugh of Sacramento, Calif., Brett Murdaugh of Hollister, Calif., Brad Murdaugh of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Eric Murdaugh of San Jose, Calif. Also left behind are many nieces and nephews, all of Arkansas.

After many different occupations during her life, Lou culminated her employment as a highly successful real estate agent in Jackson, Calif., due to her friendly manner and interest in people. She and her present husband met at a square dance in Grass Valley, Calif., in August 1985 which culminated in over 24 years of very happy marriage filled with square dancing, world travel, RVing, and fishing with many old and new friends. Born a farm girl, Lou never lost her interest in growing things and always raised a vegetable garden and lots of flowers. She took great pride in the interior and exterior appearance of her home. She was very proud of her family and their successes.

Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial service to celebrate Lou's life at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 14, at Bethany Baptist Church, 401 Hwy 18 Bypass, Manila. Burial will be in Manila Cemetery.