Betty N. Ford

MT. MORRIS, IL ~ Betty Ford, Eleanor Betty Nell Gangelhoff Ford, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 11, 2024, at Serenity Hospice and Home of Oregon, IL surrounded by her loving friends and family. 

She was born on April 15, 1930, in Grand Forks, ND the ninth child of Jacob H. & Helen H. (Rose) Gangelhoff. Betty married Bradley Ford on May 11, 1960, in East Grand Forks, MN. They were blessed with 25 years of marriage and four children. Betty was a successful business woman serving as secretary to the President of the East Grand Forks National Bank, several church offices, medical offices and the Lutheran Outdoor Ministries Center in Oregon, IL. 

Betty had a deep love for and devotion to her family. She was our rock and our comfort. She was ever present and always willing to help in times of need. She was the heart of our family. Betty had a faith and love in God that was even deeper. She was a prayer warrior and lifted so many to the Lord. She was faithful to raise her children with a love of God and the knowledge of salvation through Jesus Christ. 

Betty is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Vernon & Rodger Gangelhoff, and sisters Helen Gangelhoff, Pearl Hultgren, Gertrude Antonicci, Marion Sheldon, Myrtle Fillipi, Irene Davis, Lorriane Rice. She is survived and missed dearly by her loving children Susan (Dennis Schneider) Ford of Mt. Morris, IL, Jerry (Cheryl) Ford of New Franken, WI, David (Jane) Ford of St. Joseph, MN, James (Rhonda) Ford of Hammond, WI; grandchildren John Cahill, Sarah (Joel Schneck) Cahill, Emily (Jesse Culbertson) Cahill, Jennifer Cahill, Elizabeth Hanson, Gregory Ford, Dillon (Catherine) Ford, Noah Ford, Madeline Ford, Brian Ford; great-grandchildren Natalia Nolasco, Evelyn Plumb, Henry Hanson, Nathan Schneck; brother Gordon (Gloria) Gangelhoff of Bloomington, MN; sister Dorothey VanLoo of Longmont, CO, sister-in-law Jean Gangelhoff of Oroville, CA; dear friend Arlene Sangmiester; and many nieces and nephews.

 A funeral service commemorating Betty’s life has been scheduled for 11:00 AM on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at the Trinity Lutheran Church of Mt. Morris, IL, with Pastor Josh Ehrlert presiding. Beginning at 10:00 AM will be a visitation to greet the family at the church. Betty will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Riverview Cemetery of Oregon, IL. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider making a donation to Serenity Hospice and Home of Oregon, IL.