Patricia Belle Ford, 92, passed away on Thursday, June 11th comforted in the love and adoration of her five children. She was the heartbeat and unifying bond of the family. She was beautiful, graceful, and humble and her life was full of faith, love, and kindness. While her body was failing her the past few years, her mind was sharp and she was known for her quick wit and humor. Days before her death, she reminded her children that she always believed the Rapture would come during her lifetime, then quipped “but He better come soon.” 

She listened more than she spoke. But underneath the quiet personality was a core strength. Through the seasons of her life, she led by example and instilled values and lessons for her family through her actions. As a young mother, she navigated life’s many challenges for her large family. She knew how to stretch an hour and a dollar and never complained about having to do either. She survived breast cancer twice as well as other health challenges. She cared for her cherished parents and her beloved in-laws in the twilight of their lives, while working full-time. She found purpose in being a giver and getting things done. 

She treasured the close relationships she had with each of her children and was a constant presence and support for them throughout her life. She will be remembered for her abundant love, endless patience, optimism and even temper. She was their greatest gift and they are a reflection of her influence. 

Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were her joy. She connected with them through current events, sports, music, performances, academic achievements, and life’s milestones. She relished every opportunity to spend time with them, and she would light up with every visit, FaceTime call, photo and video they sent describing what was happening in their lives. 

She leaves behind a legacy of lessons and memories, not only for her family but for the many friends, neighbors and lives she touched in her 92 years. 

Pat was born in North Kansas City, Missouri on December 14, 1933, to Emma Jones (Blackburn) Adams and Patt Melgar Blackburn. They were loving parents who supported and encouraged her interest in academics, sports and music. She graduated from North Kansas City High School in 1951. She met Howard Lloyd Ford on a blind date, and they married on March 27, 1953. They settled in the Northland, and their family grew quickly to five children, all of whom graduated from North Kansas City High School. When her youngest child started first grade, she joined Farmland Industries where she excelled in progressive roles in her 30-year career. She was a mentor and role model to many. 

She kept her passion for music alive by singing in Sweet Adeline choruses for many years. She enjoyed the friendships, as well as the costumes, travel and competitions. 

In retirement, Pat and Howard built a home in North Kansas City where they cultivated a close community of neighbors. They joined a dance club and formed lasting friendships. She continued to be a giver as a volunteer for the North Kansas City Hospital Auxiliary. They also enjoyed many long-delayed adventures, including traveling domestically and internationally to visit family and friends. 

In her final days she was reflective and seemed content and satisfied that she had lived a good life. 

She is survived by her five children: daughter Teresa Sicks and her husband, David; son Wayne Ford and his wife, Sherie; daughter Jan Parrish and her husband, Darrell; daughter Julie Ford; daughter Shari Coulter Ford and her husband Mark Coulter; 12 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. 

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Howard in 2018; her parents Emma Jones (Blackburn) Adams and Patt Melgar Blackburn; her sister, Lucille McNeary; and her in-laws, Anna Eckert Ford and Joseph Franklin Ford. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home & Cemetery on Tuesday, June 23rd, with visitation beginning at 10:00am, followed by the funeral service at 11:00am and burial. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to KU Breast Cancer.