Grant Reilly Ward

Grant Reilly Ward passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025, in Gilbert, Arizona, at the age of 83.

Born on August 18, 1942, in Twin Falls, Idaho, he was the son of Ross and Catherine Ward. Grant was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Georgeanna Johnson, Patricia Joe Jones, and Cathy Ward. Grant loved his childhood –  the heritage of love, faith, hard work, family fun, and service that he learned from his parents and family and tried to instill these same values with his own children and grandchildren.

Grant was raised on a farm in Twin Falls, where his early years were spent driving tractors, plowing fields, and caring for animals. He loved the farm, and though his career and family took him elsewhere, Idaho was always “home.” He attended a one-room schoolhouse, Union Elementary School, and graduated from Twin Falls High School with the class of 1960. It was here that he met his dear wife, Judy. His senior year, he was selected to represent Twin Falls at Boys’ State in Boise. He pursued higher education with dedication and purpose, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Brigham Young University in 1967. He continued his studies at the University of Idaho College of Law from 1967 to 1969.

In both his personal and professional life, Grant exemplified commitment and integrity. He shared a wonderful 60-year marriage with his beloved wife, Judy Nelson Ward. Together they built a large and loving family that became the center of their lives. Grant is remembered with deep affection by his children: Monte (Jenni), Michelle Menden (Marc), Jeff (Gretchen), Greg (Angie), Markley (Angie), Marshall (Lynndsey), and Jennifer Badgett (Mike). His legacy continues through his 36 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Few things brought him more joy than cheering his children on in their various sports and activities. Whether it was basketball games, football games, baseball games, volleyball matches, track meets, or choir concerts, he spent his evenings and weekends first cheering on his own children, and then his grandchildren. He also coached all of his children’s teams, including Little League, basketball, and softball, being a great mentor and leader. His many grandchildren always knew that their “Grandad” loved and supported them and they will miss him greatly.

Grant’s life was deeply devoted to service, both to his faith and to his community. A lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served faithfully in many callings, including as Bishop of the Mesa 42nd Ward. He also enjoyed serving in the High Council, Young Men’s organization, Primary, and in Scouting. He served a full-time mission for the Church from 1960–1963 in the West Spanish American Mission, serving in Mexico, Arizona, and California, and became fluent in Spanish. From 2014–2023, he served another mission focused on water rights for Church-owned properties where he was able to utilize his great knowledge and skills earned in his career. He also served faithfully in the temple for five years. His service was quiet, steady, and rooted in love for Jesus Christ and others.

A man of intellect and quiet strength, Grant’s life was marked by devotion to his faith, family and a steadfast pursuit of knowledge. Professionally, Grant devoted his career to agriculture, water, electricity, and public service. After he and Judy moved to Arizona, he was the Assistant Branch Manager at Valley Bank in Mesa. He then went on to serve as General Manager of the Roosevelt Water Conservation District; Executive Vice President of the Agribusiness Council of Arizona; Assistant General Manager of the Central Arizona Water Conservation District; and General Manager of Maricopa-Stanfield Irrigation & Drainage District/ Electrical District No. 3. In later years, he worked as a utilities consultant, primarily for ED-3 and MSIDD, representing their interests with state and federal agencies and legislative bodies.

Grant’s leadership extended throughout his community. He served on the Board of Trustees for the Arizona 4-H Foundation, the Advisory Committee for the City of Mesa Municipal Bonds, and Boards of Directors for Grand Canyon State Bank and Valley Lutheran Hospital. He was President of the Mesa East Rotary Club, the Gilbert Rotary Club, and the Colorado River Energy Distributors Association (CREDA), and served on the Governor’s Committee for the establishment of the Arizona Department of Agriculture. His contributions were widely recognized. He received the Lifetime Achievement Distinguished Service Award from the National Water Resources Association in 2017, the Water Warrior Award from the Family Farm Alliance in 2018, and a Special Recognition Award from the Agribusiness and Water Council of Arizona in 2016 for his work on Colorado River shortages and their impact on irrigated agriculture. A farmer at heart, Grant had a love of the land and became a great steward of the land.

Grant’s great faith, example of service, and love of family will carry on for many generations to come and he will be dearly missed.  May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

A visitation will be held on January 10, 2026, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3580 East Houston Avenue in Gilbert, followed by a family visitation and prayer from 10:30–11:00 a.m. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 East Queen Creek Road.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.