Evelyn Rhoda "Dolly" Ford

Evelyn R. Dolly Ford, 83 of rural Carman, Illinois died at 3:03 p.m. Saturday June 22, 2013 at Great River Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa. She was born April 1, 1930 in Burlington, the daughter of Samuel and Evelyn Hartquist Howell. On June 27, 1952, she married Robert F. Ford in Stronghurst.

Mrs. Ford was a graduate of Stronghurst High School and Monmouth College. She taught physical education and math in the Stronghurst/Southern School District for twenty five years. She also coached girls volleyball, track, and cheerleading for several years. Earlier in her career, she was an instructor for dance and tumbling. She was a lifelong member of the Bethel Lutheran Church in Stronghurst and the Luther Anns of the church. She enjoyed gardening, camping, picking up seashells, and especially, any activity involving her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, three daughters- Kathy Vitali of Punta Gorda, FL., Kris (Quentin) Peterson of Stronghurst, Kelly Ford of Mahomet, IL., one son- Rick Ford of Carman, six grandchildren- Rob (Jody) Vitali, Kristina (Dave) Sellards, Samantha Bundy, Amanda (Jacob) Bielser, Boone Peterson, Tucker Peterson, and three great grandchildren- Olivia Vitali, Dorothy Bielser and Mallory Bielser. She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother- Richard Howell and one son in law- Lou Vitali.

The funeral for Mrs. Ford will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday June 26, 2013 in the Bethel Lutheran Church of Stronghurst with Rev. Terry Muller officiating. Burial will be in the Carman Cemetery. Friends may call after 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst, where the family will be present from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. A memorial fund has been established for the Bethel Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund. Condolences may be left at banksandbeals.com.