The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office last week found the body of New Mexico Health Secretary Retta Ward in a car that swerved off the road.A memorial service has been scheduled for Ward. The formal service will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday at Rivera Family Funeral Home, 417 East Rodeo Road in Santa Fe.An informal service is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday. Mourners and well-wishers will have an opportunity to visit with the family and share stories.Officials said Ward died from health issues that were not related to the car accident.The family asks that if anyone wants to honor Ward with a gift, make a charitable donation to the Against Malaria Foundation or another charity."I will personally miss Retta very, very much, and so will her fellow cabinet secretaries and staff who I know are grieving the loss of a true friend and leader. I ask all New Mexicans to keep Retta's family in their prayers," Gov. Susana Martinez said.

The Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office last week found the body of New Mexico Health Secretary Retta Ward in a car that swerved off the road.

A memorial service has been scheduled for Ward. The formal service will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday at Rivera Family Funeral Home, 417 East Rodeo Road in Santa Fe.


An informal service is scheduled from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday. Mourners and well-wishers will have an opportunity to visit with the family and share stories.

Officials said Ward died from health issues that were not related to the car accident.

The family asks that if anyone wants to honor Ward with a gift, make a charitable donation to the Against Malaria Foundation or another charity.

"I will personally miss Retta very, very much, and so will her fellow cabinet secretaries and staff who I know are grieving the loss of a true friend and leader. I ask all New Mexicans to keep Retta's family in their prayers," Gov. Susana Martinez said.