Barbara Ford

Barbara Joan Ford, 92, of rural Redkey, Indiana, passed away at her home in the presence of her family on Aug.10, 2023.

Joan was born in Winchester, Indiana,on March 11, 1931, the daughter of the late Gilbert and Geraldine Williams of Dunkirk, Indiana. Joan was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Wayman R. Ford. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy L. Campbell.

Joan was valedictorian of the 1948 graduating class of Dunkirk High School. She attended Indiana University, served as state president of the Indiana Extension Homemakers and belonged to the Delta Theta Tau Sorority, North Niles Extension Homemakers and Redkey Town and Country Extension Homemakers. She attended Sugar Grove Global Church of Redkey.

Joan is survived by two daughters, Nancy E., wife of Fred Garringer of Redkey, Indiana, and Melinda A. Ford of LaFollette, Tennessee; two sons, Steven R., husband of Jane Switzer of Redkey, Indiana, and Stuart W. Ford of Redkey, Indiana; one sister-in-law, Barbara Ford of Redkey, Indiana; seven grandchildren, Trevor Ford (Tanya) of Bloomington, Indiana, Travis Ford (Krissi) of Shelbyville, Kentucky, Rachel Benirschke of Redkey, Indiana, Sarah Link (Jim) of Portland, Indiana, Stacy Buckley (Jared) of Greenfield, Indiana, Mark Garringer (Emilie) of Eaton, Indiana, and Sara Garringer of Greenfield, Indiana; and 12 great-grandchildren.

Joan enjoyed a lifelong love of reading, crosswords and “Jeopardy!”.

The children will conduct a Celebration of Life for Joan and Wayman on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, at Sugar Grove Global Church in Redkey, Indiana. Calling will be from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by celebration of life.

Joan has donated her body to the Indiana University Medical Research Program.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be given to The Center for Neurological Development, 78 W. Main St,, P.O. Box 117, Burkettsville, OH 45310.