Greeley, CO - Annette Naomi Ward, age 78, passed away on September 4th, 2025 in Everett, WA at Providence Hospital surrounded by friends and family. Annette was the youngest child born to Masae Akiyama Kawabe and James Nobori Kawabe in Paia, Maui on October 13th, 1946. Her mother went to Paia to have her because a bad storm was coming in.

She was raised in Maunaloa, Molokai at the Libby pineapple plantation. Annette boarded and graduated from Mid-Pacific Institute in Honolulu in 1964. She attended the University of Hawaii for her first year of college to decide on a career. She finished college at the University of Northern Colorado in 1972, majoring in medical technology. In 1972, her son, Jimmy was born. He was the highlight of her life. Starting in 1973, Annette worked as a medical technologist at the Greeley Medical Clinic for more than 44 years.

Annette took care of her mom from Haiku for many years. They had cats and grew orchids together.

After retirement, she spent time in Greeley and Washington. She reunited with her high school boyfriend, Bobby Kono, in their later years. Annette was a bright light to her many friends and family. She loved to laugh and talk story.

Annette is survived by many nephews, cousins and a niece. She is predeceased by her son, Jimmy, husband, Jerry Ward, and brothers Daniel and Kay Kawabe.

The funeral will be held on Oct 24th, 2025, at 11:00am at Allnut Funeral Home/Macy Chapel in Greeley, 6521 W. 20th St., Greeley, CO. The burial will be held at 2:30pm at Linn Grove Cemetery, 1700 Cedar Avenue, Greeley, CO.