Mary Lou Ford, 73, of Kenosha, passed away on Tuesday, February 1, 2011, at United Hospital System-Kenosha Campus. Born on September 19, 1937, in Waukegan, IL, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Lula LaDuke. She spent the majority of her lifetime in Winthrop Harbor, IL, moving to Kenosha 24 years ago to make her home. On December 3, 1955, in Waukegan, IL, she married Ronald O. Ford. He preceded her in death in 1994. For a number of years she worked at Johnson Outboard Marine and Abbott Laboratory, retiring in 1998. She enjoyed gardening, reading and traveling throughout the world, but most of all being with her family and friends. Mary enjoyed genealogy, she even wrote her own biography. Surviving are her four children, Ronda Smith of Northern, CA, and Steven (Lynn) Ford, Lori (Ronald) English and David Ford, all of Kenosha; a sister, Pat (Ron) Smeltzer of Arizona; three brothers, Jim (Barb) LaDuke and Bob LaDuke, both of Arizona, and Mike (Fran) LaDuke of Indiana; seven grandchildren, Heather (David) Cantalina, Nicole Smith, Jacquelyn Smith, Kristin Larson, Mellisa (Barry) Ollila, Ryan English, and Shanda Shawnda Ford; and three great-grandchildren, Gabriel Cantalina, Alana Ollila and Chloe Castro. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Isabelle and Betty; and a grandson, Steven. Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 7th, at Proko Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. Private interment will be held at West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held on Monday at Proko Funeral Home from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Mary Lou’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Jim and Karen Stark
February 11, 2011
Dear Ronda, Lori, Steve and family, just heard the news and our hearts are deeply sad to hear of your Mom's passing. We are in Germany with Cori and family until August. Jim and I just retired and moved to North Carolina. Upon our return we will come visit and have a time of remembrance for your Mom and Dad. Again, we are deeply sorry for your Mom's passing. My memories or her are full of loving memories and will always be cherished. Much love, Karen and Jim
Dale and Karlene
February 6, 2011
Ronnie, Lori and family, We are very sorry for your loss. Your mom was always a very fun person to bearound. I know she loved every minute with Alana. We pray God will bring extracomfort to your family. Dale and Karlene
Debbie Oatsvall
February 5, 2011
What a beautiful lady, inside and out. We've had so many great memories over the years. She will be greatly missed but so fondly remembered! Know that our thoughts and prayers go out to the whole family that in time the good memories will out weigh the loss.
Kathy (Abendroth) Wurz
February 4, 2011
"Punky" was the name, I knew my godmother by, and I also knew her as one of my mother's (Flea) special friends. Since I lived most of my life away from Punky and only seen her at my mothers house, I did cherish the limit time that I had to sit with them, out on Flea's deck enjoying their laugher and merriment hearing all the childhood stories that Punky, Flea and Terry retold as they would laugh and carry on. I knew what Punky's life long friendship meant to my mother, and this will alway hold special memories for me. Peace be with you and I send warm hugs to all. Kathy (Abendroth) Wurz