Laurie Ann Ford

Laurie Ann Ford of Elkland, MO went to be with our Lord on 8/9/2024.   She loved God.  She loved family, animals, community, and farm life.    The fruit of the spirit was how she lived her daily life.  She will be so missed by her husband, Dennis Ford and so many for all she did, not for recognition, just who she was. 

Laurie was the first born of Floyd Rex and Joanne Johnson, April 2, 1964.  Her brother, Randall, was born a year later.   Laurie was close to her grandparents.  She would spend summers with paternal grandparents and cousins in the Sparta, MO countryside.  Laurie’s maternal grandmother lived with them for years.  Laurie’s natural talent for doing that which needs to be done some people would call work. However, it was the way she lovingly demonstrated love for her family.  She attended and graduated from Strafford High School in 1982. 

Laurie met Dennis while in High School, dating, marriage, growing together sharing a life of 45 years together.  They spent time with generations of kids from family, neighbors, church to rodeos, fairs, riding horses and fun days. 

Laurie started out in retail.  She found a passion in horticulture and became a master gardener.  She was a source of so much information about horticulture.  It was physically demanding on her body, however, she found such joy in it.  She wanted to share the joy with all.  She was a charter member of the Evelyn Hampton Garden Club in Elkland.   Her farm looked like a park, and it was a spa for animals. 

She was amazing with animals.  She would care for them on the farm, or as it was referred to “animal spa”.  She loved going riding, she enjoyed horse camping and trail riding, as much as she could, until she had to stop.  She enjoyed going with friends.  Laurie attended Christian horse camp with her great nieces.  She loved the fellowship. 

Laurie demonstrated her Christian walk everyday.  She was a member of Elkland Independent Methodist Church where she taught Sunday school and helped with church plays.  She could make an entire Bethlehem scene from cardboard and paint.  She would have Dennis building, digging, planting, anything needed for the church.  She had a calling for the elderly, and young.  She would go to the nursing homes to visit. She would show up with food at the Church. She would stop and pull weeds after service. In the last few years, she volunteered at the 4 County Thrift Store and Food Pantry in Elkland.  Her great nieces were happy when they could volunteer with her there.  Laurie sent cards every holiday and sometimes she made them herself.

The following family members proceeded her in death. Her parents, brother, grandparents, cousins, brother-in-laws.  She has researched and cherished her family history.  She enjoyed the family she met, and shared stories of past generations. 

Laurie leaves her husband Dennis Ford, Elkland MO.  Immediate family:  Becky Ridenour, cousin,  Floyd and Sue Ford (father and mother-in-law), Sharon Gray, Helena Ford (sister-in-laws),  niece and nephews, great-niece and nephews, cousins, special pets.

The family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, kinds words, and taking care of her pets, during this storm Laurie went through.   We ask in lieu of flowers donations are welcome to the 4 County Thrift Store and Food Pantry. 

 Fraker Funeral Home, Marshfield MO  has been chosen to support the family and honor this legacy. 

Memorial Service held at 1:00 PM, Wednesday, August 14, 2024, at Elkland Independent Methodist Church.