Ben Ford

Ben M. Ford, 78 of Safford passed away at his home May 18, 2011. He was born November 2, 1932 in Safford to Harvey Ralph Ford and Lillie Emma Barney Ford. His father passed away when Ben was 3 years old and his mother was sick much of the time with asthma and other illnesses; so Ben became quite self sufficient. After his school days, Ben worked at G & W Auto Supply until he was drafted. He met Joyce Thompson and they were married May 17, 1952 in Tucson. Ben was drafted 8 months later into the Army. He served in Korea and California and received an honorable discharge in January 1955. Ben retired in 1987 having worked for many years at Motor Supply and Safford Auto. Ben and Joyce were blessed with a son, Doug in 1959 and daughter Sheryl in 1967. Ben attended their activities and made sure they were educated. He watched them grow and develop spiritually as members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Doug passed away in 1997 after a battle with cancer. Ben loved his wife Joyce and was right there to always help her. When Joyce was supervisor of Motor Vehicle, Ben would do down to the office after hours to help her do the plate inventory and lift the plates so she wouldnt have to work alone. He was happy when she retired too. Ben was active in the Church serving in different callings. He and Joyce were sealed in the Mesa Arizona Temple on May 8, 1965. Ben was able to witness Sheryls wedding to John Reidhead in the Mesa Arizona Temple and had the privilege of doing Dougs endowment work in 1998. Through the many surgeries and trials during his life, Ben never dwelt on them. He will be remembered for his integrity, work ethic and kindness. Ben is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joyce Ford; daughter Sheryl (John) Reidhead, 6 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren, sister in law and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Doug, and brothers Bill & Seth. Funeral Services will be conducted in the Safford LDS Stake Center on Monday, May 23, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. with Bishop Craig Hackett of the Safford 4th Ward officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Caldwell Funeral Chapel and on Monday from 9 9:45 a.m. at the Church. Interment will follow in the Thatcher Cemetery with Military Honors provided by the Gila Valley Honor Guard.