Barbara Ann (Withers) Ford, age 84 of Oak Grove Road, Grafton, WV passed away peacefully on Friday, June 12, 2015, at the home of Donna and Lonnie Mayle.
She was born in Webster on June 6, 1931, a daughter of the late Dennis Everett Withers and Bessie Ellen (Wilson) Withers.
Her husband of 64 years, was the late Pastor Donald F. Ford, who passed away on February 6, 2013.

She is survived by three children, Donald G. Ford of Grafton, Linda A. Edwards of Independence, and Robert K. (Kevin) Ford also of Grafton; six grandchildren, Kelly L. Mayle and husband, Gary of Louisville, OH, Jason R. Edwards of Independence, WV, Jill S. Funk and husband, Donald “Bub” of Fellowsville, WV, Holly A. Paul and husband, William "Billy" of N. Canton, OH, Brittney D. Ford of Grafton, and Donald G. “Bub” Ford II and companion, Kelsie West of Morgantown; several great-grandchildren; three sisters, Carolyn Morrison of Charlottesville, VA, Marion Rogers and husband, Virgil of Grafton, and Roberta “Bertie” Colwell and husband, Ron of Leesburg, FL; one brother, John "Mike" Withers of Grafton; also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, James “Jim” Withers, Richard “Dick” Withers, William “Bill” Withers, as well as her son-in-law, Ralph L. Edwards.

She graduated from Grafton High School with the Class of 1949.

Barbara owned and operated Don’s General Store for several years, with her late husband, Don. Some time later, she worked as a Cashier at Warehouse Grocery (Musgrove's) in Grafton, and then at Keener’s Convenience & Feed Store, on Rt. 119N, near Paradise Lake.

Barbara was a lifelong member of the Oak Grove CEO’s, a 4-H Leader, and was inducted into the 4-H All-Stars. She particularly liked helping with 4-H camps and the Taylor County Fair. She delighted in tending her flower & vegetable gardens, as well as cooking, but not just for friends and family; she also helped prepare and serve many meals for those in need, at The Bread of Life Mission, in Grafton. She and her husband Don, often spent their time taking food to “shut-In’s”, as well as visiting with patients in various area hospitals.
"Barb" loved taking summer trips to the Outer Banks with her daughter’s family, and when possible, spending winters in Florida with her husband, and several of their close friends.

She was a founding member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Grafton, where for many years, she was also a member of the WMU (Women’s Missionary Union), and a Sunday School teacher. She also frequently helped with Vacation Bible School, and various Church camps. She was simply a near constant servant of her loving God.

Her generous spirit, goofy sense of humor,and infectious laughter will be remembered fondly, by all who knew and loved her.


The family will receive friends at the Donald G. Ford Funeral Home in Grafton on Sunday, June 21st from 2:00-8:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral hour on Monday.
Funeral services will be held at the funeral home on Monday, June 22, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Michel Boyer officiating.
Interment will follow at the WV National Cemetery in Pruntytown.
The family would like to thank Donna Mayle and Taylor County Hospice for their tender care of Barbara.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Barbara Ann Ford (Withers), please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.