Barbara Ellen (Mackey) Ford

Barbara Ellen (Mackey) Ford
September 29, 1931 – May 20, 2021

Barbara passed away peacefully on May 20, 2021 at 12:30 pm at her home in Deltona FL with family by her side.

Born at home to Raymond and Laura Mackey in Kortright, NY on September 29, 1931.  Graduated from Margaretville Central School in 1951.  Married Charles Ford in 1953 and lived in Claryville, NY before buying their home in Oliverea, NY, where they raised their 10 children.

After the death of her husband, she earned a certificate in Bookkeeping at Ulster Community College.  She held various jobs in banking, manufacturing, mail delivery, and housekeeping until she retired.  She enjoyed spending time with her family and beloved pets.  She loved gardening and spent endless hours keeping her gardens and landscape beautiful.  She was caring and loving, always there for her family and friends, and always wearing a beautiful smile.  She was beautiful inside and out.

After retirement, she donated her time to the Kingston Senior Center, where she made many life-long friendships.  One very special person caught her eye and heart – Sandy Weeks.  Sadly, Sandy left her too soon.  She moved to Hurley, NY where she resided until moving to Deltona, FLwith her daughter and son-in-law:  Val and Bill Morris.

Survived by Children: John (Donna) Ford, Laura (Clint) Balcom, Dan (Lorraine) Ford, Jo Ann Ford (George Balcom), Fred (Jennifer) Ford, Heidi Hubbs, Richard Hubbs, Charles Ford, Mary Ellen Ford, Cindy Ford, Nancy Eckert, and Valerie (Bill) Morris. Grandchildren: Michael Ford, Christine Ford (Andrew Neilson), Allen (Katherine) Balcom, Norika (Bob) Zellner, Yuka (Norman) Day, Dwayne Balcom (Shane Searfoss), Dennis (Crystal) Balcom, Terra Balcom (Eric Greene), Christopher Zilke, Raymond (Megan) Ford, Dan Ford Jr., Barbara Jo Ford (Toby Scott), David (Toni) Balcom, Danielle (Jim) Aitchison, Erika Ford, Matthew Ford, Jennifer Myers, Valerie (Timothy) Senese, Kerry Ford, Quinn Ford (Dakota Moore), Branden Eckert, Jesse Eckert, and Shane Eckert, and Keri Morris (Fran Ahrens). Great Grandchildren: Jacklyn Ford, Julia Balcom, Isabella Balcom, Derek Zellner, Lindsey Day, Mackenzie Day, Kaitlyn Balcom, Damien Balcom, Kendra Balcom, Olivia Balcom, Matthew Greene, Sofia Ferrara, Brylee Ford, Grayson Ford, Devon Ford, Ayva Ford, Miles Ford, Dan Ford III, Conor Balcom, Oliver Aitchison, Talia Aitchison, Reed Aitchison, Jada Finch, Jeremiah Finch, Timothy Senese II, Elizabeth Senese, Catherine Senese, Trinity Eckert, Jazmine Mills, Mikey Myer, and a boy due to arrive in July to Quinn Ford and Dakota Moore! Great-Great Grandchild: Gemma Stratton, William Mills, Ryder Mills, and Sofia Myer. Sister: Evelyn Carter. Brother: Paul Liddle. Several beloved nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her Husband: Charles Ford, Grandchildren: David Lee Ford, Brittany Stepniak, and Billy Morris. Great Grandchild: Raymond Ford Jr., Son-in-Law: Doug Hubbs, Father: Raymond Mackey, Mother: Laura (Mackey) Liddle, Stepfather: Thomas Liddle, Sisters: Gladys Affholter, Lillian Wagoner, and Mary Bryan, and Beloved Friend: Sandy Weeks.

A celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at E B Gormley Funeral Home located at 87 Main Street, Phoenicia, NY 12464.   Viewing is scheduled: Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 1 pm, followed by the Celebration of Life Service, with internment at the Oliverea Cemetery.

Her spirit will live in the memories we share and her love in our hearts!

My Mother Kept A Garden

My Mother kept a garden.
A garden of the heart;
She planted all the good things,
That gave my life it's start.

She turned me to the sunshine,
And encouraged me to dream:
Fostering and nurturing
The seeds of self-esteem.

And when the winds and rains came,
She protected me enough;
But not too much, she knew I'd need
To stand up strong and tough.

Her constant good example,
Always taught me right from wrong;
Markers for my pathway
To last my whole life long.

I am my Mother's garden,
I am her legacy.
And I hope today she feels the love,
Reflected back from me.

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