Obituary for Essie Ford

Essie Marie Ford

(June 15, 1929 – April 19, 2017)

Essie Marie Helm Ford

Essie was born June 15, 1929 in Holcomb, Kansas to Paul and Mabel Helm. She married Allen Ford on June 7, 1952. Essie and Allen had four children together and were married 49 years before Allen passed away in August 2001. They raised their family in Hodgeman County, Kansas where Essie eventually retired as a vice-president of Hanston State Bank. While living in western Kansas, Essie served on the executive boards of the Hodgeman County Hospital and Headstart of Dodge City. During retirement years, the couple moved to Ponca City, OK in 1996. In 2013, Essie moved to the Boone, IA area to live in an assisted living complex.

Essie was actively involved with her family. She was known for her excellent cooking and crocheting skills. She and Allen together fostered a tradition of family get-togethers and card games. At times, Essie played the organ for Methodist church services.

Essie died surrounded by her loved ones, both physically and spiritually, on April 19, 2017 after fighting a 7-month battle with pancreatic cancer.

Essie was preceded in death by her husband, Allen Ford, sister, Marsha Michel, and step-son, Walter Allen.

Survivors include her brother, Dale Helm; four children: Randy Ford (daughter-in-law Beth Ford), Janet Stinemetz (son-in-law Randall Stinemetz), Carol McGaughey (son-in-law Jim McGaughey), Linda Bell (son-in-law Rory Bell); 9 grandchildren: Rhonda Coover, Tim Stinemetz, Paul Stinemetz, Sarah McGaughey, Adam McGaughey, Jamie Taylor, Tiffany Ford, Melissa Ford, Mikaela Bell; and 6 great-grandchildren.

A graveside ceremony will be held on Monday, April 24, 2017 at Resthaven Memorial Park in Ponca City, OK, at 10 a.m. Services are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Source: Trout Funeral Home