Mary Ida (Byrd) Ward

Mary Ida Byrd, 86, passed away on April 27, 2026, in Ada, Oklahoma. She was born on July 29, 1939, in Ada, Oklahoma, to R.A. “Bud” Byrd and Samuel “Sammy” Jane (Johnson) Byrd. Mary Ida was born and raised in Ada and graduated from Latta High School. She later became a beautician. Mary had a true gift for creativity and found joy in crafts and gardening—she could keep just about any plant alive and thriving. She loved life and knew how to celebrate it. Mary Ida especially enjoyed dancing and spending time with her beloved “Tish Tribe,” a close group of friends who gathered for special occasions that she always looked forward to. She had a deep love for her animals, especially her horses, Blu and Baby Pony. One of her favorite traditions was hosting her annual fish fry each April in honor of her son Michael and family friend Tommy’s Killian birthdays—a time filled with laughter, food, and togetherness. Mary Ida was preceded in death by her parents, Bud and Sammy Byrd; her brother, Dempsey Byrd; her sister, Wanda “Sitter” Byrd; and her loyal dog and best friend, Buddie. Those left to cherish her memory include her daughters, Debbie Sutton and husband Steve, and Lesia Henderson; her son, Michael Cathey and wife Hollie; her grandson, Shane Sutton and wife Kortney; her granddaughters, Amber Gray and husband Josh, Whitney Konen and husband Gabriel, Shayla Van Horn and husband Josh, Tiffany Cathey, and Shylee Patton and husband Riley; her great-granddaughters, Olivia “Livvy” Rowland, Aspen Van Horn, Willa Van Horn, Emmalyn Sutton, Adeline Sutton, Nova Patton, and Henley Patton; her great-grandsons, Aiden Gray, Landry Gray, and Reece Konen; her sisters, Betty Newby and husband Dearl, and Dorothy Shackleford and husband Mike; her brothers, Charles Byrd and wife Denise, Richard Byrd and wife Shelley, and Roger Byrd and wife Joni; her best friends, Leota Howard and Lou Bailey; along with a host of other family and friends. Mary Ida will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her love of family and friends, and the joy she brought to every gathering. She lived life fully, loved deeply, and created memories that will be cherished for generations. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, May 2, 2026, at New Hope Calvary in Ada, Oklahoma, with Pastor Toby Willoughby officiating.

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Mary Ida (Byrd) Ward

July 29, 1939 - April 27, 2026