Marlene J. Ford

Marlene J. Ford, 79, of Fairfax, died Wednesday, January 27, 2016, at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Funeral Services: 11 a.m. Monday, February 1, 2016, at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon. Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the service. Burial: Mount Vernon Memorial Cemetery. She was born April 24, 1936 on a farm north of Mount Vernon to Raymond and Clara (James) Mallie. When she was eight years old, they moved to Mount Vernon. She graduated from Mount Vernon High School in 1954. Marlene also attended Cornell College as a music major for two years. She was a gifted pianist and vocalist. On June 24, 1956 she was united in marriage to William 'Bill' Ford at the Mount Vernon Methodist Church. Marlene worked at Cornell College, Mount Vernon Bank, and Dr. Rahn's office. Marlene and Bill lived in Mount Vernon for 50 years before moving to Fairfax in 2006. Marlene is survived by her loving husband, Bill; son Kent (Carol) Ford; daughters, Karen (Darin) Secrist and Laurie Lei (Patrick) Riehle; and nine grandchildren, Daniel (Trenda) Secrist, Dustin Secrist, Amber and Kaitlin Ford, Ryan, Alyssa, Bryanna, Austyn, and Jayson Riehle. She was preceded in death by her parents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Marlene, who took care of everyone she loved, will be cherished and missed by all of her family, especially her beloved grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.