Verna Mae Ford, 82, of Festus, formerly of Arnold, died Sept. 3, 2023, in Genevieve. Mrs. Ford, who was Pentecostal, retired from McDonnell Douglas (later Boeing) factory as an inspector. She enjoyed square dancing, clogging, singing, playing the guitar, going to flea markets, traveling, fishing and going to yard sales. She especially loved to dance and danced on the Grandpa Jones show. She also enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Born Aug. 20, 1941, in Carter County, she was the daughter of the late Jewell (Hanger) and Calvin Pyatt. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years: Henry Ford, whom she married June 18, 1960, and who died Nov. 22, 2019.
She is survived by two sons: Gary (Beth) Ford of Festus and Terry (Connie) Ford of Hillsboro; four grandchildren: Paula (Mark) Oglesby, Alecia (Greg) Howard, Katie Lynn (Jonathon) Steward and Terry (Amie) Ford Jr.; five great-grandchildren: Chloe Howard, Chase Howard, Lucas Steward, Rylie Jo Ford and Raelynn Steward; and many other family members and friends. She was preceded in death by three brothers: Jack, Eugene and Ned Pyatt; and one sister: Katie Pyatt.
Visitation is scheduled from 5-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11, at Mahn Twin City Chapel, 515 Collins Ave., in Festus. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13, at McSpadden Funeral Home in Van Buren. Burial is in the Gresham Cemetery in Ellsinore. Arrangements are under the direction of McSpadden Funeral Home.