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Martha Velma Ford

Martha Velma Ford, 87, of Kittanning, PA, passed away Sunday November 6, 2016 peacefully in her home. She was born in Numine on September 24, 1929, and was the daughter of the late Oliver Meade and Viola Peters Boarts. She was preceded in death, in addition to her parents, by her loving husband, James Frank "Jim" Ford, Jr.; her brothers, Christy and Harold Boarts; and her sisters, Josephine Reinauer and Loretta Enterline.

Martha's heart was full of love, and for those closest to her, including her three children, eight grandchildren, and 11 great grand-children, she had given the world. She is survived by daughter, Sandy Snyder (David); sons, Jamie Ford (Sue) and John Ford (Robin); grandchildren, Bryan Snyder (Renee), Kelly Holmberg (Michael), Marsha Conroy (Michael), Michael Snyder, Jay Ford (Heather), Trisha Desiderio (Tye), Joe Ford, and Kylie Ford; great grandchildren, Sydney Snyder, Skylar Snyder, Brayden Snyder, Alexis Snyder, Cameron Holmberg, Hailey Holmberg, Addison Holmberg, Emery Holmberg, Maddox Ford, Maysa Ford, and Rhys Conroy; and her faithful canine companion, Willow.

If you were ever given the opportunity to meet Martha, then you know that she was truly one-of-a-kind. Her life was the epitome of the American Dream. After being raised on a rural farm, she married Jim, and together they established Ford's Flowers, Inc. (West Kittanning) in 1950. Through their love and compassion, the pair grew their business into the local landmark that it is today. Their legacy has had the opportunity to bring the joy of quality, family-grown flowers throughout the region, and instill a work ethic on decades of young job seekers. Martha never stopped working hard, but also was full of joy. Every person who knew her has a story of at least one hilarious moment.

Her family wishes to thank the exceptional care received from her daughter in-law, Robin Ford, her children; granddaughter and nurse, Trisha Desiderio; caregivers, Peggy Kovalovsky and Ally Zanotti; long-time friend, Linda Crytzer; and the Amedisys Hospice of Butler for their compassionate care during her long illness.

To celebrate her life, her family hopes that you can recall the memories she brought to you and smile as you remember the amazing woman and true individual that has held us together since 1929. She will be greatly missed by many.

The family will receive friends from 11 AM until the time of the memorial service at 12 PM on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 at Bauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 515 N. McKean St., Kittanning.

Arrangements are being handled by Bauer Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc.

To send a condolence to Martha's family or view a tribute honoring her life, visit www.bauerfuneral.com.


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