Andrea (Andi) Ward

Andrea (Andi) Dee Ward was born February 2, 1965 in Dillion, Montana. She was raised in the beautiful mountains of Beaverhead County and later moved to Lovell, Wyoming. Andi loved the western way of life; rodeo, hunting and fishing with her grandfather instilled a life-long passion for the outdoors. After graduating from Lovell High School in 1983, she moved to Saratoga, Wyoming to be closer to her parents, Roger and Suzie Cox. In 1988, Andi met and married Will Ward. Together they had two daughters, Ashlie and Shana, who were raised in the Platte Valley with the same passion for the outdoors and zest for life as their parents.

Andi began a career with Carbon County School District #2 in 1999, first as a library aide and then advancing to the position of Technology Director where she devoted 25 years to serving hundreds of students and teachers. She loved her job and was equally loved by staff and students across Carbon County. Andi was a devoted mother and spent countless hours in the gym, on the road, and at the track supporting her girls and their athletic endeavors. Sharing her passion for the outdoors, Ashlie and Shana loved spending time with their mother hiking, fishing, and soaking up the sun in her incredible gardens. She met the love of her life, Mark Jones, in 2016.

Together, they spent countless wonderful hours fishing for walleye; hunting pheasant, turkey and mountain lion; and enjoying one another's company.

After an unwavering, courageous twelve-year battle with cancer, Andi passed away peacefully on July 21, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She is preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Dee and Myrtle Thompson; maternal grandparents Coulter and Ruth Given; and daughter Shana Marie Ward. Andi is survived by her parents Roger and Suzie Cox; loving partner Mark Jones; daughter Ashlie Love; grandsons Thayne, Bergen, and Kelby Love; sisters Jody Bridges, Jackie Neale, Kari Thompson, Dani Vorn. Tammy Cox; brothers Lester Thompson and Matt Cox; and numerous nieces, nephews, and their children. A celebration of life for Andi will be held Friday August 2, 2024 at 11 a.m. in the Platte Valley Community Center Great Hall.