Donna Jean Ford, 79, of Centralia, Illinois, passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at St. Louis University Hospital Hospice Care Center, with her family at her side.
She was born on April 19, 1945, in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Harry and Angie (Jakob) Arhelger. She married J. Michael (Mike) Ford on September 30, 1967, and he preceded her in death on May 1, 2022.
Donna is survived by her three children: Deborah Huber and husband Christopher of Fort Wayne, Indiana; Steven Ford and wife Julie of Chandler, Arizona; and Richard Ford and wife Rachel of Metamora, Illinois. Her six grandchildren: Tyler Sulcer and wife Kyla of O’Fallon, Illinois; Brooke Sulcer and partner Nathan Boyd of St. Louis, Missouri; Mason and Grant Ford of Chandler, Arizona; and Mady and Sophie Ford of Metamora, Illinois. She also leaves behind her step-granddaughter, Abigail Huber of St. Louis, Missouri, and her cherished great-grandson, Bennett Sulcer of O’Fallon, Illinois. Additionally, she is survived by her sister-in-law, Susan Lester and husband Bob of Reno, Nevada; sister-in-law Ann Ford of Mississippi; and two nieces, Molly Lester and Katherine Breedlove. Finally, she is survived by special families Kelly Bennett and wife Cheryl of Irvington, Illinois and Brandon Hatfield and wife Keli and their three children of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
In addition to her parents and husband, Donna was preceded in death by her brothers-in-law, John and Robert Ford and nephew James Lester.
Donna was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Nothing brought her greater joy than her family, especially her great grandson Bennett. She retired from the Centralia Correctional Center after serving in multiple departments, concluding her career in the medical records office. In addition to her family she enjoyed sewing, reading, and all things Christmas. She passed that love of Christmas on to her family.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial prayer service officiated by Father Steve Pautler. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Centralia.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the donor’s choice of either St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, American Heart Association, or St. Mary’s Church. Contributions will be accepted by Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street, Centralia, Illinois, 62801, (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Ford family.
