Wilma Ford

Wilma Y. Ford, 102, of Lee's Summit, Missouri, formerly of Pleasant Hill was born Friday, June 15, 1906 near Clinton, Missouri, the daughter of the late William M. and Eliza Ann (Young) Kemper. She passed into the presence of the Lord on Friday, September 26, 2008 at the Lee's Summit Medical Center.

Wilma grew up on a farm near Clinton and attended a country Baptist Church at Garland, Missouri. Later, her parents moved from the farm to Clinton and there she joined the Clinton Baptist Church at the age of 12. She graduated from the Clinton High School in 1925, then attended Warrensburg State College and Sedalia Business College. She worked as a secretary for the West Missouri Power Company, now KCPL, Booth Hatchery, and the Belsaw Machinery Company in Pleasant Hill. Wilma also worked for the Kansas City Title Insurance Company and Hight Eidson Title Company in Harrisonville. She last worked for the Remington Arms Company in Independence, Missouri, for 17 years, retiring in 1968.

In 1927 she married James A. Smith in to which three children were born, Carla Ann, Linda Jane and James Kemper.

On July 2, 1955 she was united in marriage to Bert R. Ford in Kansas City, Missouri. They made their home in Pleasant Hill for over 30 years, enjoying many nice trips together including flying to the west coast to visit his son and family. In 1968, they traveled to Europe for a 17 day trip. He preceded her in death on August 25, 1985. They enjoyed many train trips together since he was a Station Agent for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. Following his death in August 1985, she moved to Lee's Summit.

She was an active member of the Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church while she lived in Pleasant Hill and continued being active after she transferred her membership to the Lee's Summit United Methodist Church where she continued her involvement in the United Methodist Woman, Naomi Ruth Circle, Young At Heart Club, and Girls Town Club.

She was also preceded in death by her son James Kemper also known as "Jimmie K." who died in an automobile accident on October 23, 1954, following graduation.

Surviving are two daughters, Carla Ann Dale and husband Bill of Raintree, Lee's Summit, and Linda Jane Carey and her husband Robert of Blue Springs; one step-daughter Sundy Ford of Talent, Oregon; six grandchildren Steven Dale of Independence, Debra Dickerson, Kim Dale and wife Cindy all of Lee's Summit, Sherri Jo Adams and husband Ricky of Boerne, Texas, Kendra Hoduski and husband Eric of Georgetown, Texas and Pamela Woodroof of Lee's Summit; four great grandchildren Justin Dickerson and wife Stephanie, Katie Dickerson, Kara Treadwell and husband Eddie and Elliot Dale all of Lee's Summit; 2 great-great grandchildren; 9 step-grandchildren; 21 step-great grandchildren; 12 step-great-great grandchildren, other relatives and many, many friends.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 30, 2008 at the funeral home. Reverend Lee Soxman officiated. Burial was in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Casket bearers were Ricky Adams, Russ Colvin, Elliot Dale, Kim Dale, Justin Dickerson, and Eddie Treadwell.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Lee's Summit United Methodist Church Building Fund and may be sent in care of the funeral home.