Norma Jane Ford

Norma Jane Ford, age 73 of Carman, Illinois died at 12:47 P.M. Thursday September 11, 2008 in the Great River Medical Center in West Burlington, Iowa. She was born November 27, 1934 near Mount Sterling, Illinois, the daughter of Toby A. and Nina Stuller Phillips. On July 29, 1951, she married Earl L. Buster Ford Jr. in Burlington, Iowa.

She attended Henderson County grade schools and Stronghurst High School. She received her diploma from Burlington High School and graduated from Southeastern Community College Nursing Program as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She had worked at Monmouth, Roseville, and Burlington Extended Care facilities. She had also worked at various sales positions including Rheinschmidts Flooring, Gerdes & Sparrow Real Estate, and McGregor Furniture Company.

She, and her husband, raised their family on the family farm near Carman. She enjoyed her children and grandchildren, collecting antiques, gardening and cooking.

Survivors include her husband, two sons- Mike (Sandra) Ford and Mark (Olive) Ford, both of Carman, two daughters - Valerie (Gary) Colburn of Springdale, Arkansas, Stephanie (Jim) Covert of Biggsville, IL., seven grandchildren, and four great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and step father - Norman Masterson.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. Monday September 15, 2008 in the Banks & Beals Funeral Home in Stronghurst with Rev. Ron Kelly officiating. Burial will be in the Carman Cemetery. Friends may call after 2:00 P.M. Sunday at Banks & Beals, where the family will receive friends from 7:00 until 8:30 P.M. Sunday. A memorial fund has been established for the American Lung Association.