Marie Martha (Rein) Ford, 91, a former long time resident of Russell, passed July 13, 2011 in Grapevine Texas, where she resided in Autumn Leaves memory care facility; she was born on September 18, 1919, in Russell county to George Jr., and Beatrice (Keil) Rein.

Prior to living in Russell, she lived on the family farm in the Pioneer community south of Russell, attending Pioneer school and graduated from Russell High school in 1938.  She later attended Salt City Business College in Hutchinson, and graduated from Brownie Mackie School of Business in Salina.

Marie was united in marriage to Herbert George Ford on September 22, 1945 in the Trinity United Methodist Church in Russell by Reverend Jenkins.   This union was blessed with three children, Joyce, Kenneth and Richard.

Her life goals and focus included rearing and spending time with her family.  She volunteered in assisting with Brownie and Girl scouting activities for her daughter, and Cub scouting for the boys.  Her passion at home included baking delicious meals and desserts.  She also enjoyed visiting with friends and relatives, taking part in family outdoor and lake activities, and attending games and events of her grand children.
Marie also worked outside the home, and retired after thirty years from Russell City Hospital in 1984, having worked in the business office with medical records and insurance.  After retirement, she enjoyed traveling with her husband, until his death in 1987, and then visited often with her children and grandkids.

Preceding her in death, in addition to her husband, were her parents, four brothers; Herman during WWII, Leon, Alvin and Elmer Rein, and two sisters, Hilda Michel and Luella Rein.
Surviving family members include her children, daughter Joyce Dunn and husband Ardie Dunn of Arlington, Texas; son Ken Ford and wife Sue Ford of Southlake, Texas and their children, Jeremy of McMinnville, Oregon, Chauncey of Denton, Texas, and Casey and his wife Leanna of Dallas, Texas; and son Richard Ford and wife Sabrina, and their children Timothy and Eric of Salina, Kansas.

Surviving sisters are Helen Lockyer of Roseburg, Oregon; and Darlene Woodson, of San Diego, Calif., and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Marie’s life will be held at 10 A.M. on Friday, July 22, 2011 at the Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary in Russell with Pastor John Thompson officiating.   Burial will follow at the Russell City Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M. on Thursday, July 21, 2011 at the mortuary with family present from 6 P.M. to 7 P.M. Thursday evening.  Memorials may be given to the Alzheimer Association and can be sent in care of the mortuary.  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell is in charge of the funeral arrangements.