Leona "Lee" Vernon Ford

Leona (Lee) Vernon Ford, 78, of Scottsdale, gained her angel wings on Sunday, Oct. 9th, 2011 after a year-long battle with multiple myeloma. - She was born on Sept. 16, 1933 to Anthony and Josephine Mannino in Villa Park, Ill. She was preceded in death by her four older brothers Nathan, Sam, Joseph, and Anthony Mannino. - Lee married Cecil C. Vernon, Jr. in 1953, and they lived together in Hinsdale, Ill. before moving to Scottsdale in 1959. They were happily married for 25 years and raised three children together until Cecil's passing in 1978. In 1993, Leona married Ralph Ford and spent eight years travelling the world until his passing in 2001. - Lee loved Scottsdale, her home for 52 years, and dedicated herself to meeting new people and helping others in the community. She was an active member of the Scottsdale Jaycees, Phoenix Jeep Club, Scottsdale Square Dance Club, the Arizona Stars chapter of the Red Hat Society, volunteered at Scottsdale Healthcare Osborn, and was a member of Calvary Church of the Valley.- In addition to being a homemaker, beloved mother, and doting grandmother, Lee worked at Hohokam Elementary School for several years and at Smitty's for 13 years until she retired in 1993. - She is survived by all three of her children: David Vernon, of Girdwood, AK; Terry Vernon, of Phoenix, AZ; and Cindi Madison (Vernon), of Tucson, AZ. Lee also left behind seven grandchildren and one great grandson. - Lee will be greatly missed. Her warmth, love of life, and genuine care and concern for those around her left a positive mark on the lives of all who were lucky enough to know her. She maintained her sense of humor and trademark smile all the way to the end.- Funeral services will be held at 9:30 a.m on Monday, Oct. 17th at Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery, 401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257, with graveside services immediately following. - In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lee's "second family":- Calvary Church of the Valley

6107 N. Invergorden Road

Paradise Valley, AZ 85253