Arlene Nellie Ford, age 91, of Oregon City, Oregon passed away on Sunday, March 10, 2019. Arlene was born March 28, 1927 in Portland, Oregon to Sheldon and Nellie France. She was the youngest of six children. Arlene graduated from Jefferson High School in 1945.
Arlene spent her entire life in the Portland area. During World War II she dropped out of high school to work in the shipyards, where there was a high demand for laborers. Her brother was the one that convinced her that an education was important. She returned to school graduated. She went on to work for the telephone company during war time. She worked various jobs throughout her life; always as a way to provide for her home and her family. Arlene worked at a Glass Plant for a short time and then moved on to a Toy Factory. Years later she worked her final job at Beech Elementary School as a cook. Most noteworthy was Arlene’s time at the gift shop at Bess Kaiser Hospital on Greeley Ave. She volunteered there for over 30 years! The center of Arlene’s world was caring for those around her.
To Arlene, family was everything. She embraced motherhood and spent her life tending to her family and their home. She was a wonderful mother and step mother to six children. Arlene made sure her family spent quality time together. Some of her fondest memories were camping and staying up late playing cards. The family had a tradition of spending Christmas in the beautiful Redwoods of Northern CA.
Arlene also loved to adventure and explore the world around her. When she was married to Richard Barclay the two of them had a splendid time hiking, fishing, and camping. After losing Richard, Arlene found love again with John Ford. Arlene and John took cruises to new lands and enjoyed life to the fullest!
When Arlene wasn’t with family or off adventuring, she was home gardening! She absolutely loved tending to her flower garden. Roses were her favorite. At her home in St. Johns, Arlene planted a rhododendron bush for each of her children. She kept an array of indoor plants as well, carefully tending to each of them. One plant she has had as long as her youngest son is old!
Arlene leaves behind her children, 14 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandchild to cherish her memory.
Arlene was a strong woman and she would want to be remembered for her love and commitment to her family. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her loved ones and she will truly be missed.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.skylinememorialgardens.com for the family.
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