Mary Ellen Ford's Obituary
Mary Ellen Ford, 75 years, of Waterloo, IL, passed away on March 18, 2021. She was born October 14, 1945, in Red Bud, IL, daughter of the late Oliver, and Gladys, nee Fosler, Armbrecht. She was married to the late John W. Ford. They were married October 26, 1963, in Valmeyer, IL. He had passed away September 23, 2019.
Mary retired from WalMart, Waterloo, IL. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Everybody loved 'Mama Ford', and her famous words, even when seriously ill, were "I'm OK". She was an avid TV watcher and book reader. The Food Network was her channel.
Surviving are two sons, Glenn (Peggy) Ford of Prairie du Rocher, IL, John Ford of Waterloo, IL; two daughters, Teri (Joe) Metter of Columbia, IL, Julie (Sterling) Pfeifer of Commerce City, CO; grandchildren, Heather (Drew Fausz) Ford, Laurie (John) Knop, John (Mandy) Ford, Maddison Pfeifer, and Caleb Pfeifer; great-grandchildren, Logan, Landon, Lane & Luke Fausz, Ian Hankammer, Austin & Gavin Knop, and Tripp Ford; three brothers, Don (Janet) Armbrecht, David (Diane) Armbrecht, and Dean (Ellen) Armbrecht; two sisters, Carol Gruber, Lois Rabberman; brother-in-law, Wolfgang Frierdich, along with other relatives and friends.
She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Eileen (Fred) Johansen, and Ruth Frierdich, along with two brothers-in-law, Alvin Gruber, and Norman Rabberman.
Visitation will be Friday, March 26, 2021, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, at Leesman Funeral Home, Columbia, IL, with a Memorial Service to follow at 7:00 pm, with Pastor Stephen Krenz, officiating. Please note: Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, face masks will be required and social distancing will be maintained. There is a 50 person limit in the funeral home.
In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to: St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness, 12015 Manchester Rd. Ste: 130, St. Louis, MO, 63131 . For more information, please access our website, www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Leesman Funeral Home, Columbia, IL, handled arrangements.
What’s your fondest memory of Mary?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mary?
Share a story where Mary's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mary you’ll never forget.
How did Mary make you smile?

