JOAN LITHERLAND FORD

09/27/1938 - 02/12/2023

Joan Litherland Ford, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, February 12, 2023. She was 84 years old.

Born September 27, 1938 in Houston, Texas, Joan was the daughter of Walter Sharon and Dorothy Mary Louise Litherland. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in 1957, where she proudly served as Lieutenant Colonel of Reserves in the Scottish Brigade.

In 1954, Joan met the love of her life, Ellis Gerald “Jerry” Ford. The two were married on June 7, 1958. Joan was a dedicated wife and by Jerry’s side as he attended the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and through 42 years of veterinary medicine practice. They celebrated 64 years of marriage last June.

Joan treasured time spent with her family, and was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was cherished by her 5 children, 5 grandchildren and 2 greatgrandchildren.

An avid gardener, Joan enjoyed spending time in her yard growing and caring for the most beautiful flowers and plants.

Joan is survived by her loving husband, Ellis Gerald Ford; her children, Elizabeth McDonald and husband Tim, Stephen Ford and husband John Kovach, Laura Schneider and husband Karl, Tricia Torpey and husband Jay, Luke Ford and wife Kristin; her grandchildren, Meagan Reed and husband Lane, Taylor McDonald, Jack Schneider,

Owen Schneider and fiancé Makenzie Johnston, Kelly Torpey, Grace Hobratschk; and her great-grandchildren, Will Reed and Caroline Reed.

She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Judy Litherland, her brother-in-law, Joseph Ford and wife Barbara, 5 nieces and nephews, and 3 great-nieces and nephews, along with numerous other relatives and friends.

Joan is predeceased by her parents, Walter Sharon and Dorothy Mary Louise Litherland, brother, Sharon Gilbert Litherland and sister-in-law, Kathleen Ford.

The family will be holding a celebration of Joan’s life on Monday, February 20th at 1pm at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home, 4525 Bissonnet Street, Bellaire, TX 77401, with a reception to follow.

In Lieu of Flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Heart Association or a charity of your choice.