Obituary of Mary Ford

Mary Catherine Carraher Ford was born in Burlington, Colorado on October 3, 1925 to Francis Patrick and Ethel Frances (Mahoney) Carraher. Mary spent her childhood growing up north of Burlington and attending the Emerson country school. When it was time for her to enter the 7th grade, the family moved into Burlington, due also to her father’s failing health. Mary attended Burlington High School, graduating with the class of 1944. Since it was wartime, their class was the only one who did not have an annual, which was due to the paper shortage. After her father’s passing, she and her mother ran a boarding house and a laundry in the house that is now Park Place. Mary’s first job was at W B Drug where she worked as a soda jerk. In 1945, she married C.D. (Dave) Reed, Jr. Dave and Mary had one child, Rita Ann. In 1950, she married the love of her life, William R. (Bill) Ford. Bill and Mary had two children, Michelle Annette and William Patrick (Buck). Bill preceded Mary in death in 2000, only three months before the celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary. Mary loved to dance and took dance lessons from Ruth Milburn for many years as a child and teenager. She was also an avid sports fan, particularly liking the New York Yankees, and later the Denver Broncos and Colorado Avalanche. As much as she loved watching sports with her family, Mary loved watching her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren compete in everything from swimming to baton competitions and football and piano recitals. No one ever doubted she would be there to cheer them on. Anyone who attended football games in the 80’s and 90’s will remember her cowbell. A highlight for Mary was when she received an “Outstanding Fanâ€? award in 1992. Even after her grandsons finished their high school baseball careers, Mary’s little blue Ford could always be seen at Merchant’s Park, where she continued to follow the high school baseball team. Until she quit driving a couple years ago, she never lost her love of cheering on the team and giving the umpires grief. Mary loved dolls almost as much as jewelry. Anyone who knew her always commented on her jewelry that was coordinated to match whatever outfit she was wearing. At her death, Mary was still wearing her rings and bracelets. Mary passed away on Sunday, June 25, 2006 at the Grace Manor Care Center in Burlington. She was 80 years old. Mary is preceded in death by her parents and husband. She is survived by daughter, Rita and husband Don Sircy; her daughter Michelle and husband Michael Jacobs, and her son Buck. Also, her three grandchildren, Jason Sircy and wife LeAnn, Andy Sircy and wife Amy, and Carrah Ford; four great-grandchildren, Mitchell Sircy and Jacob Cole, Logan and Hayden Sircy, nieces and nephew. She was greatly loved, and will be sadly missed by all. Her family and friends will always hear her laughter echo in the Eastern Colorado breezes. Funeral services for Mrs. Ford were held on Wednesday, June 28, 2006 at 10:00 AM at the St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Burlington with Father Ernie Bond officiating. Burial followed in the Fairview Cemetery in Burlington. Visitation was held on Tuesday June 27, 2006 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Burlington with a parish rosary that was recited at 7:00 PM. Memorials may be made in Mary’s name to the Caring Hands Hospice in Burlington and may be left at the Bank of the West in Burlington.