Jerry R. Ford

Jerry left this world to join God on January 29th. Born in Alabama to John and Georgia Ann Ford, Jerry was the 10th of 11 children. He joined the navy in 1945 and traveled the world, often recalling stories of his travels to his children. While in Boston he met Rita Carroll, and soon after they were married. Jerry and Rita had four children while in Boston; Jerry (Rick), Steve, Jan and Carol. In 1961 Jerry moved his family to California where their fifth child Lynn was born. Jerry converted to Catholicism in 1960 and became a devoted Catholic involved in his church. After Rita passed away from cancer in 1990 he met his second love, Alice Donnelly, at a club for widows and widowers through the Catholic church. Alice and Jerry were wed in October 1993 adding three step-children (Frank, Ellen and Barbara) to his already large family. Jerry and Alice traveled extensively enjoying cross-country trips, visiting new locations and old. As a member of the El Cajon Elks Lodge 1812, Jerry and Alice participated in activities, fund raisers and traveled on camping trips with the friends that they met there. Jerry enjoyed playing golf and watching sports, especially football and baseball. He was a loving family man who enjoyed being surrounded by his children and their spouses, and his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by all of his family and many friends. Jerry is survived by his sister Sarah Ann Polk of Alabama. Services will be held at 11am on Friday, February 3rd at Guardian Angels Catholic church, 9310 Dalehurst Road, Santee, California 92071.