Joan Ford

May 4, 1932 - August 18, 2014

Joan Ashby Ford peacefully passed away in her Orem home on the morning of August 18, 2014. Joan was born May 4, 1932 in Salt Lake City to Glen and Emily Ashby. She spent her childhood in Kaysville, Utah and attended school in Davis County. Theirs was a happy home where she knew love and family closeness and the value of hard work. She is survived by her husband, John B. Ford and three of her brothers, Ralph (Jean) Ashby, David (Zada) Ashby and Steven (Marsha) Ashby and many of John's siblings who she loved as her own. Joan was a happy, creative child. She was very involved in social life in school, participating in cheerleading, student council and music. She graduated from Davis High School in 1950. Joan was spunky, personable and was always the life of the party. She was caring and kind. Joan was a friend to everyone. John B. Ford and Joan married in the Salt Lake Temple on November 20, 1953. They raised their family on a farm in Washington. They reared six children, John (Kim) Minnesota, Derin (Lisa) Orem, UT, Rick (Cindy) Parker, CO, Carl (Teresa) St. George, UT, Rosalie (Rick) Krammer Greeley, CO, and Alison (Todd) Eliason Allen, TX. She lived the latter part of her life in Orem, Utah. Joan is the mother of six children, twenty-nine grandchildren and twenty great-grand children. Her family means everything to her. She loves them more than life. A hallmark treasure her children possess are her handmade, funny stick figure birthday cards. She spent her life serving and enjoying her family and faithfully serving many in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was always happy to help and lift another. Joan served bravely alongside John in an eighteen month mission for the LDS church in the Philippines. They loved the people and grew close together and created many deep bonds. She changed their lives through her music and her chocolate chip cookies. She was a fun-loving, spirited gal who was known for her quick wit and fun candor. She was rarely wrong. If you disagree, Just ask her! She Loved sports and challenges and made a competition out of everything! Joan was an accomplished violinist, seamstress and tournament bracket builder. She was even more gifted at creating the coveted, handmade trophies at each reunion. She was always fit and loved to water ski. Her competitive nature provided many fun activities at gatherings with family and friends. She played competitive tennis with her daughters and many friends. She spread music and humor everywhere she went. Joan was happiest beating you at tennis, making you happy, making you comfortable, stealing food off of your plate, telling you jokes, laughing at her own jokes, and------ beating you at tennis!!!! Joan made life better for everyone around her. She was extremely positive and overcame many difficulties with her bright outlook on life. She was loved by everyone. Joan had deep faith and trusted in her Savior. It was important to her to always do the right thing. She believed that is what ensures happiness. She truly endured well. What a champion! --- "Way to GO, Joan!" She was preceded in death by siblings Ruby (and Donald) Lever and Reed Ashby and grandsons, Ryan Ford and Scott Ford. We Miss you already, Mom! Get the bracket ready! Funeral Services for Joan will be held Saturday, August 23rd. at 11:00 am, Suncrest 2nd Ward, 140 North 400 West, Orem, Utah, where a visitation will be held prior form 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Interment in Utah Veterans Memorial Park, 17111 South Camp Williams Road, Riverton, Utah, Monday, August 25th at 10:00 am. Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary.