State Senator Pat Ward has died after losing her battle with breast cancer.
Ward passed away Monday morning.
The Republican was first elected to the Iowa Senate in 2004 and had been running for re-election.
Details on memorial and funeral services have not been released yet.
Iowa lawmakers are sharing their condolences about the death of Ward:
“It was with shock and sadness that learned of my friend Pat Ward’s passing. She had a wonderful career in public service, and was such a caring and passionate person. As a senator, she was a champion for her district, took the time to get to know the issues, and worked in a bipartisan manner to enact meaningful legislation on behalf of her constituents. She always had a positive outlook on life, even in illness, and her smile would brighten each room she entered. The thoughts and prayers of Chris and I are extended to her large network of family, friends and constituents,” – Gov. Terry E. Branstad
“Having served with Pat in the Senate, I witnessed firsthand her dedication to the state of Iowa, and her incredible work every day on behalf of her constituents. Pat Ward was a dear friend, and the news of her passing is incredibly difficult and painful to hear. I hope all Iowans will look at her example, the way she cared for others and worked to make the world a better place, and remember her significant life and achievements. Our administration will miss her as a policy maker, and we all will personally miss her as a friend.” – Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds
“This is truly a sad day for Iowa. Senator Pat Ward was a courageous fighter not just for the hard working Iowans she represented tirelessly every day in the Iowa Senate but also a courageous fighter in her battle against cancer. My thoughts and prayers are with her husband John and her entire family and friends. The Iowa Senate Republicans lost a terrific colleague and incredible friend and we mourn her loss deeply.” — Senate Republican Leader Jerry Behn
“I am saddened to learn of the passing of Iowa State Senator Pat Ward. Public service and dedication to the people of Iowa were hallmarks of her career. On behalf of all Iowa Republicans, I would like to express our gratitude for Pat’s service to the people of Iowa. Our thoughts and prayers are with Pat’s friends and family during this difficult time.” — Iowa GOP Chairman A.J. Spiker
“We are very sad to learn of Senator Pat Ward’s passing. This is a loss for the whole Iowa Senate family. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Senator Ward’s family and friends, as well as the many constituents and community members she served in both her public and private life.” — Iowa Democratic Party Chair Sue Dvorsky
“Pat was a leader who led by example when it came to her sole focus of working on behalf of Iowans. She knew that great results could be achieved by putting progress before partisanship. Her brave and very public battle with breast cancer helped continue to raise the awareness of this horrific disease. I will truly miss Pat’s friendship and council. Kathy and I offer our thoughts and prayers to John and her family during this difficult time.” — Congressman Tom Latham
“Ann and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Senator Pat Ward. Pat was a dedicated public servant who always put her constituents first, and she fought tirelessly on behalf of the community and the state she loved. Her commitment, her passion, and her legacy will endure. Pat’s family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers.” — Gov. Mitt Romney
“Iowa Republicans have lost a very valuable legislator today. Sen. Ward was not only a dedicated leader who worked on behalf of Iowans; she was an admirable woman who showed her fighting spirit time and time again. It is with heavy hearts that we wish her family well during this difficult time.” — Speaker of the House Kraig Paulsen
(thanks to our sister station WHO-TV for contributing this report)
