Rosemary R. Ford went to be with Jesus on April 2, 2011, in The Maples Health and Rehabilitation, in Springfield, Mo.
She was born on September 5, 1930, in Milwaukee, Wisc., to Edgar A. and Rosetta I. Lee. Rosemary graduated from Michigan State University with honors and taught school for several years. She also worked at Evangel (College) University.
Charles W. Ford and Rosemary R. Ford were joined in marriage on September 1, 1950.
Rosemary is a member of James River Assembly of God Church. At the age of 15 she started teaching Sunday School in Milwaukee, Wisc., and later entered into full-time pastoral ministry with her husband. “Rose” was a friend to everyone and above all, never wavered in her faith and commitment to Jesus. She is loved by many and will be missed.
Her parents and brother preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, Charles W. Ford; two sisters, Nancy (Fred) Beers and Judy (Ken) Moran; four children, Becky (Bryan) Hutchings, Kevin Ford, Julie Ford, Daniel (Jodee) Ford; 13 grandchidlren, Joe (Cammie) Esch, Kristen (Rodney) Raap, Elizabeth Ford, Tyler Trader, Danae Bontrager Ford, Sharalyn Bontrager Ford, Carlton Bontrager Ford, Madee Ford, Sophia Ford, Daniel Ford, Michael Hutchings, Matthew (Joni) Hutchings, and Kerry Hutchings; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held in Greenlawn Funeral Home East on Thursday, April 7, 2011, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., with services immediately following from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., with Reverend Paul Stanek Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Springfield National Cemetery.
Tributes to Rosemary’s life may be made to Hospice Compassus of Springfield, Mo.