Patsy Martin Ford

Patsy Martin Ford, daughter of Sandford and Mertha (Drake) Martin, passed away on Monday, November 28, 2022 in Abilene, TX.  Pat was born on December 23, 1929 in Tahlequah, OK.  She married Robert E. Ford in Tahlequah on December 28, 1949.  Pat and Bob lived and taught school in several towns in Kansas and Oklahoma and ultimately moved to Ponca City, OK in 1965. After Bob’s death in 2015, Pat moved to Abilene, TX.  

Pat and Bob were dedicated and active members of the Methodist Church in each town they lived, ending at St Paul’s Methodist in Ponca City, OK.  After her youngest child was in high school, she began teaching kindergarten again, where she provided a positive start to many young lives. Pat was devoted to her family and had many wonderful friends over the years. She was a skilled seamstress, an excellent and adventurous cook, and an avid reader.  She was a member of PEO for over 60 years.  She always had time to engage with others and listened both intently and willingly to all they had to say with great kindness.  She had an amazing memory and, during her time at Wesley Count, she was quick to welcome new residents and made each a birthday book that outlined historical events that occurred in the year each was born. 

Pat is survived by four children, Debby Brown (Phil) of Abilene, TX, Mardi de Verges of Tulsa, OK, Robert M. Ford (Robin) of Holiday Island, AR, and Bill Ford (Sheila) of Bentonville, AR.  She is survived by grandchildren Jeff Brown (Ami) of Knoxville, TN, Natalie Brown Timmerman (Keri) of Austin, TX, Ashley Ford (Andrew John) Edmond, OK, Alix Ford (Cody Goforth) of Flagstaff, AZ, Tyler Ford (Julie) of Fayetteville, AR, Christopher de Verges (Emily) of Tulsa, Sarah de Verges (John Fraley) of Fayetteville, AR, Phillip de Verges (Sarah) of Ft Worth, TX, and Eugene Ford de Verges of Tulsa.  Also surviving are great-grandchildren Kiran, Ellery, Olivia and Hallie Brown, Addi, Doak and Brock Timmerman, Caroline Hafner and Luke Fraley, as well as numerous loved nieces and nephews.  Pat was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, her parents, three sisters (Wanda Cantrell, Wahlelle Walkup and Wilma Berry), her son-in-law Eugene P. de Verges and great-granddaughter Eleanor de Verges. 

The family is planning a celebration of her life which will be held at Wesley Court at 3 p.m. on December 11, 2022.  In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Hendrick Hospice Care in Abilene­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ in the memory of Patsy Ford. The family is very grateful for the prayers, care and kindness shown to Pat and to them at this time.