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The Life of RUTH ELLA FORD

Ruth Ella Ford, 87, passed away Sunday, October 30, 2016 with her children and grandchildren by her side. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St., Des Moines. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, November 3, 2016 at Staves United Methodist Church, 2747 E. Madison Ave., Des Moines with interment at Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery.

Ruth was born October 22, 1929 in Dickinson County, Iowa to Edwin and Retta (Reed) Arthur. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and her family. She enjoyed traveling and cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Denver Broncos. Ruth was a member of Staves United Methodist Church and the Richmond Whiskers Card Club. She was employed by Des Moines General Hospital, prior to her retirement.

Ruth is survived by her children, Mark Ford, Michael (Kathy) Ford, Michelle (Jeff) VanGinkel, and Marla (Doug) Layton, 13 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edwin and Retta Arthur and nine brothers and sisters.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Susan G. Komen in loving memory of Ruth.

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2022.10.22
Never forgotten

My grandmother was arguably the most pure hearted saint to ever live, who gave unconditional love to every member of our family. My grandmother listened to every word I needed to say when hard times hit that seemed to be forever broken. Nothing was ever broken or irreplaceable for grandma tho. I always knew I had a place in her home to speak freely 1,000%, and she ALWAYS made sure to tell me to come back for any support, Napoleon mini wafers, and of course maybe a Shirley Temple movie or 2. She never judged a single soul, she was so beautifully perfect. She came from a difficult and challenging upbringing which she took on with unbelievable strength and patience even tho today we'd look back with her and couldn't fathom how hard she fought even when it meant to swallow any fear that may have. She then later on took on even more challenging circumstances that led to hardship and difficult decisions... but NONE of this, 100% not one bit of any rough times that came her way, never once distracted or took her away from putting her entire family on the highest pedestal she had to hold us all the closest she possibly could. My grandma was literally the definition of a saint, a fighter, & a constant example of how we all can take on life in all its many forms. She was perfect...she was the hardest person I could say goodbye to. Love you grandma.

Posted by Elizabeth M on 10/22/2022