FORD

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Shirley Alice Ford, of Rimbey, Alberta, at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre – Long Term Care, at the age of 87 years. Shirley was comforted by her daughters at her side, passing away surrounded by love on Thursday, October 19, 2023.

Shirley was born in Haliburton, Ontario on June 9, 1936. She was the first of twelve children born to Norman and Lenita Hirons. As a young woman, Shirley met Gerald Tustian at the race track in Fort Erie, Ontario, where Shirley was a cook and Gerald was a jockey. They were united in marriage and moved to Maple Creek, Saskatchewan where they lived in a little cabin that had no power or water. Through the course of several years, they raised three daughters Joanne, Lynita, and Sandra. The family relocated to Cochrane, Alberta, where they resided for many years before selling their acreage there and moving to an acreage at Rimbey. After 21 years of marriage, Shirley and Gerald separated. Shirley later married Tom Ford of Rimbey, and after quite a few years they also separated. Eventually Shirley and Gerald found their way back to each other, and they moved to their daughter and son-in-law’s farm near Rimbey. It was during this time that Shirley endured a bad stroke, but was able to go back home following her rehabilitation. Sadly, Gerald suffered a heart attack shortly after that, so Shirley then went to live with her daughter Joanne for many years. Shirley subsequently relocated to the Winfield Seniors Lodge where she was a resident for a time before moving into Rimbey Long Term Care where she resided until her passing. Shirley had many friends and possessed an amazing sense of humour. She absolutely loved her old cat, Booties, who was her cherished furry companion.

Shirley is survived by her two daughters Joanne (Cliff) Reynolds; and Lynita (Roy) Stevenson; as well as four brothers Dale (Peggy), Garry, Terry (Lou Anne), and Bobbie (Debbie); four sisters Donna (Jon), Norma (Rick), Sandy (Bill), and Cindy (Jim); in addition to numerous nieces and nephews; and many wonderful friends. Shirley was predeceased by her first husband Gerald; her daughter Sandra “Sandy”; her parents Norman and Lenita; three brothers Denny, Philip, and Larry; along with several close friends.

With respect for Shirley’s wishes, no formal funeral service will be held. She will be laid to rest in the Bradshaw Cemetery at a later date. If desired, memorial donations in her memory may be made directly to the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, c/o the Rimbey Hospital Legacy Committee, Box 440, Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0 (www.rimbeyhospitallegacycommittee.com). Thoughts and messages to the family may be shared through the condolence area located at the bottom of this page.

Cremation Arrangements for the Late Shirley Alice Ford entrusted to the care of