Marlene Ford

MARLENE J. FORD

Fairfax

Marlene J. Ford, 79, of Fairfax, died Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2016, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City. Funeral services: 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 1, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon. Visitation will be one hour before the service. Burial: Mount Vernon Memorial Cemetery.

She was born April 24, 1936, on a farm north of Mount Vernon to Raymond and Clara (James) Mallie. When she was 8 years old, they moved to Mount Vernon. She graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1954. Marlene also attended Cornell College as a music major for two years. She was a gifted pianist and vocalist. On June 24, 1956, she was united in marriage to William "Bill" Ford at Mount Vernon Methodist Church.

Marlene worked at Cornell College, Mount Vernon Bank and Dr. Rahn's office. Marlene and Bill lived in Mount Vernon for 50 years before moving to Fairfax in 2006.

Marlene is survived by her loving husband, Bill; son, Kent (Carol) Ford; daughters, Karen (Darin) Secrist and Laurie Lei (Patrick) Riehle; and nine grandchildren, Daniel (Trenda) Secrist, Dustin Secrist, Amber and Kaitlin Ford, Ryan, Alyssa, Bryanna, Austyn and Jayson Riehle.

She was preceded in death by her parents and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Marlene, who took care of everyone she loved, will be cherished and missed by all of her family, especially her beloved grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

Please share your support and memories with Marlene's family on her tribute wall at www.stewartbaxter.com under obituaries.