Margaret Ann Preston Ford

Margaret Ann Preston Ford, aged 90, passed away on January 28, 2026, in Portland, Oregon. Born on April 29, 1935, in Cleveland, Ohio, she was the cherished daughter of Howard A. Preston and Harriet W. Preston.

Margaret's passion for the environment was evident through her academic pursuits and career. She graduated from high school in Walla Walla, Washington, in 1953, and later earned degrees in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design from Washington State and Utah State. For 30 years, Margaret dedicated herself to urban and environmental planning as the Butler County Planning Director in Butler, Pennsylvania.

Beyond her professional life, Margaret found solace and joy in her garden. An avid gardener, she also enjoyed bird-watching, which complemented her love for the outdoors. She was a member of the Parkrose United Methodist Church since 1996, where she engaged actively in the community and formed many cherished relationships.

Margaret leaves behind a loving family: her son, John Charles Ford, Jr. of Parson, KS; daughter-in-law, Lori Mills Ford; granddaughters, Samantha and Abigail Ford; siblings, Elizabeth Webber of Portland, OR, Nancy Harper of Connell, WA, Carolyn Croker of Penn Valley, CA, and John Preston of Port Orchard, WA. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Margaret's life was a testament to her dedication to her family, her career, and her passions. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, leaving behind a legacy of love and commitment to the beauty of the natural world.