Margaret Shannon Ford

Margaret Ford, 90, went home to her Lord December 7, 2010 peacefully in her home in Manitou Springs, Colorado. She was preceded in death by husband Mart W. Willingham, daughters Donna Snyder, Barbara Murphy, son-in- law Bud Murphy, grandson Jamie Murphy, great grandson Brandon Long and step-daughter Andrea Ihli.

She is survived by husband of 37 years, Erle L. Ford of Manitou Springs, daughters Lynda (Buddy) Johnson of Rush, CO, Marta Bloom of Greely ,CO, step-daughter Linda (Kenneth) Prather of Colorado Springs, CO, and step-son Andrew Ford of Richmond, TX, grandchildren Shannon (John) Long of Olatha, CO, William F. Bartram of USAF, Utah, Marty (Laurie) Murphy of Manitou Springs, Stephen (Francie) Murphy of Green Mountain Falls, CO, Dejon (David) Sanger of Yoder, CO, Erin (Kent) Reeve of Pueblo West, CO, Felicia (Jason) Ozant of Pueblo West, CO, Jennifer Bloom of Green Mountain Falls, CO and Christie Bloom of Greeley, CO, 14 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, 12 step-grandchildren and 12 step-great grandchildren.

Margaret was born in Coppers Cove, Texas to Wayne E. and Lula Shannon on July 28, 1920. She grew up around the Tahoka, Texas area. She married Mart W. Willingham in 1936 and had 4 daughters. In August of 1954 the family moved to Manitou Springs where she was employed by J.C. Penny’s in the alteration department and was an active member of the Manitou Southern Baptist Church.

She met Erle Ford and they were married November 10, 1973. Margaret loved the Lord and was active in the Southern Baptist Church that she was a member of. When her health permitted she was also active in the local Gideon Organization. She gave generously to many charities, particularly the Humane Society. Her greatest joys were her husband, children and grandchildren, great-grandchildren, who all called her Meme.

She was a loving and caring wife. She enjoyed traveling, sewing, singing, reading and her kitties. She will be greatly missed by her family, many nieces and nephews and friends.

Visitation, Monday, December 13, 2010 from 3-7 p.m. at Swan Law Funeral Directors.

Funeral Service, Tuesday, December 14, 2010 at 1:00 p.m., Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, 3010 W. Bijou Street, Colorado Springs 80904. A Graveside will follow at Crystal Valley Cemetery, Manitou Springs.

Memorial contributions may be made in Margaret’s name to Pikes Peak Hospice.

Arrangements under the direction of Swan-Law Funeral Directors, Colorado Springs, CO.