Mary J. Ford

Age 78, of Kensington, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026 in the Carroll Golden Age Retreat. She was born March 1, 1947 in Malvern to Hugh and Opal (Buck) Long. She worked for many years in the health care industry starting with Lorraine Smith at the Minerva Nursing Home and working later for the Minerva Convalescent Center, Great Trail Care Center and the Carroll Golden Age Retreat and as a personal care aid in many homes. She graduated from Minerva High School in 1966 and the Columbus Area Technical School. She is a member of the Minerva First Christian Church. She loved gardening and being the Queen of Drama and had been active in 4-H.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Robert Ford who died in 2022, 4 sisters, Virginia Long, Pearl Rogers, Eileen Buck, Nancy Mitchell and 2 brothers, Hugh Long Jr. and Frank “Bud” Long. She is survived by a sister, Lurena Kimble of East Rochester, brother, Homer (Shirley) Long of Kensington, stepdaughter, Linda Nitz of Augusta and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be Friday at 11:00 am in the Gotschall-Hutchison Funeral Home in Minerva with Mr. Chris Sanford officiating. Burial will be in Liberty Cemetery. Calling hours will be one hour prior to services from 10-11 am at the funeral home. Those wishing to send condolences may sign the online register at www.gotschallfuneralhome.com.