Virginia Marlene Ford

(February 12, 1934 – November 1, 2024)

It is with profound sorrow and deep love that we announce the passing of Virginia Marlene Ford, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Virginia passed away peacefully on November 1, 2024, at the age of 90, surrounded by her family at her daughter’s home in Clovis, California.

Born on February 12, 1934, in Selma, California, Virginia was a woman who radiated warmth, kindness, and compassion. She devoted her life to her family, her friends, and her community, leaving a legacy of love that will endure for generations. Virginia’s life was defined by her unwavering faith, her unbreakable spirit, and her remarkable ability to make every person she encountered feel seen and valued.

Virginia was a loving and devoted mother to her two children, Debbie Simons and Don Ford, whom she raised with boundless love, patience, and wisdom. Tragically, Virginia became a widow at the age of 26, when her husband passed away in an automobile accident, and was left to raise the two children by herself. She taught them the importance of empathy, perseverance, and the power of laughter in the face of life’s challenges. Her son Don chose to live with Virginia for many years, providing companionship, support, guidance, and protection. They were overjoyed when they were able to purchase a home together in 2010 and took immense pride in their ownership.

As a grandmother, Virginia was a constant source of joy and inspiration to her two grandchildren, nurturing them with a heart full of unconditional love and gentle guidance. For several years, Virginia took the greatest pleasure watching her grandchildren every other weekend, while their parents worked weekend shifts at the hospital, during which time she would faithfully cook a large breakfast for Jeffrey and Brandon every morning that she watched them. She loved doting on her grandchildren when they were young and embraced the love and warmth that came from spending time with her family. Virginia's passion for helping others extended far beyond her family. She worked for 27 years as an Accounts Receivables Clerk for Saint Agnes Hospital. Virginia was also part of the Lutheran Cross Church where she was baptized and confirmed.

Her kindness knew no bounds—whether through her warm words of encouragement, her acts of service, or simply her listening ear. Virginia had an incredible gift for making people feel special, and she never turned away someone in need of a friend. She will be remembered for her infectious laughter, her endless generosity, and her ability to brighten any room she entered.

Virginia is preceded in death by her parents, John and Alvena Arnst, and her older sister, Gerrie Hollandsworth. She is survived by her children, Donald Ford Jr. and Debbie Simons; her beloved grandchildren, Jeffrey Simons, and Brandon Simons; her sisters, Carolyn Smith, Gloria Wimmer, Sharon Shirah, and Patricia Reeves; her nieces, Sandy Lytle and Deanna Escalante; nephew, Robbie Solley and close friends who were like family.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Stephens and Bean Funeral Chapel in Fresno, followed by a burial at Belmont Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at a reception afterward to celebrate Virginia’s life and share memories of her kindness, humor, and the lasting impact she had on all who knew her.

Virginia’s love will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone she touched. Her legacy is one of compassion, strength, and grace—a reminder that the greatest gift we can give in life is love.

Virginia will be laid to rest in Belmont Memorial Park, 201 N Teilman Ave, CA 93706; Block 18; Section: 1108, Grave: 5.