Ann Ford

Ann Ford passed away on March 17, 2016 at age 97 in the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital in Moose Jaw, SK. Ann was the fifth child born to John Edward and Jane Esther Allethea (Brown) Fletcher on June 15, 1918 on the family farm (SE-35-07-27-W2nd) near Readlyn, Sask. She attended Enniscorthy School from grade one to eight. She remained at home after her mother’s passing to help her father on the farm. They took in school teachers as borders for a time. As a young woman she enjoyed playing ball, dancing and playing the piano. Ann worked in the factory in St. Mary’s and Brantford, Ontario during the war from 1942 to 1953. She also worked in the laundry in Hamilton. She then worked in the Banff Hotel and Jasper for two summers. She vacationed in BC and worked at a restaurant to earn enough money to get back home. In the fall she helped Margaret Brown start a lunch counter in Crane Valley. She married Melville Ford on January 29, 1955 at the Zion United Church in Moose Jaw, SK. They began married life on the farm. Farming kept her very busy with chickens for meat and eggs, geese, a milk cow and a garden. She worked by Mel’s side hauling grain at harvest and stooking sheaves in the field for the cattle. Her hobbies included dancing, music, curling, baking, knitting, crocheting, sewing, playing cards, reading and most importantly socializing with friends and family. Many children stayed at Mel and Ann’s over the years. In 1971, they adopted two children David and Annette. Parenting became their number one priority. David was a natural artist with his drawings and Annette loved horseback riding. Ann made Barbie Doll clothes, did baking for school lunches and attended school functions. After Mel’s passing, Ann moved to Assiniboia and worked as a cook at Ross-Payant Nursing Home from 1977 until her retirement in 1983. After her retirement, she moved into a Comfort Jubilee cottage. She belonged to the Club 55 Ladies Group. She vacationed with family in the Maritimes and on a cruise to the Bahamas and Nassau. She also enjoyed camping with family and her regular cards games with friends. She became a curling enthusiast especially following the Sandra Schmirler team. Family and friends were precious and dear to her. She was a wonderful person and made a special connection with all those in her life. She moved to Prairie Villa in March of 2015 and remained there until her passing. Ann will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered forever by daughter, Annette (Ford) Delorme, granddaughters, Sasha Ford (Doug Swinimer), Natasha (Keith) Scott, April Padfield, Brittney Lott, great grandsons, James and Chase Swinimer, sister-in-law June Crosson and many nieces, nephews, great nieces& nephews great great nieces & nephews, cousins, and many friends. Ann is predeceased by her husband Melville Ford in 1976 and her sons John Melville Ford in 1959 & David Ford in 2010. She is also predeceased by her parents John Edward and Jane Esther Allethea (Brown) Fletcher. Siblings and their spouses: Elva (Fred) Leifso, Hazel (George) Sanftleben, Lloyd (Irene Klaussen) Fletcher, Cecil (Delphine) Fletcher, Robert (Genny) Fletcher. Predeceased by Melville Ford’s siblings: John Ford, Mavis (Ken) McKague, Allan Crosson. Celebration of Life service was held in Ross Funeral Chapel on Monday, March 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Marilyn Leuty officiating. Honorary Pallbearers were “All Those Who Share in Ann’s Life”. The urn bearers were granddaughters Sasha Ford and Natasha Scott. Tributes were given by Sasha, Natasha, April, Brittney and Carmille. Scripture Reading by April Padfield. Hymns were “Softly and Tenderly Jesus is Calling”, “Amazing Grace” and “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”. Memorials were received for Salvation Army or Charity of Choice. Internment followed at Mount Hope Cemetery, Assiniboia, SK. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK.