Theresa Juanita Ford (Thasher)

Theresa Juanita (Thrasher) Ford

Retired teacher

November 17, 1917 – November 10, 2015

Juanita Ford, a longtime resident of Montrose, died Tuesday morning at her family home in Montrose at the age of 97.

Juanita was born in Alton, Kansas to Low and Anna Marie (Hopkins) Thrasher. The family moved to Fairbury, Nebraska where she and her sister Mary spent their early school years.  During the Great Depression, the family moved to Delores, Colorado where Juanita attended eight through tenth grades.  After the Depression, she and her family moved back to Nebraska where she finished high school.

After high school, Juanita moved back to Colorado to attend Fort Lewis College then located in Hesperus, Colorado. She received her teaching license and began her teaching career in McFee, Colorado. While teaching there she met and married Lee E. Ford.  The couple moved to Dolores, Colorado where she continued teaching.  After World War II the couple settled in Montrose where Juanita taught for many years at Coal Creek, Riverside, and Oak Grove elementary schools.

The couple raised three children, Larry Lee Ford of British Columbia, Canada (deceased), Sharon Kay Ford of Prince George, BC Canada, and Loann Ross of Montrose CO.

In 1971 the couple divorced, and Juanita moved to Canada.  She lived and worked in Prince George, BC Canada as a supervisor for a government day care center until her retirement.  In 1992, Juanita returned to Montrose where she resided with Steve and Loann Ross.

Juanita was a member of Trinity Reformed Presbyterian Church in Montrose and a life- time member of Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She was a lifelong learner who loved to read. She enjoyed needle work, crocheting, crossword puzzles, and children.

Juanita is survived by her daughters Sharon and Loann, six grandchildren, and eighteen great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, sister (Mary Robinson), son (Larry Ford) and granddaughter (Teri Ford).

Services for Juanita will be held Saturday, November 14, 2015 at 10:00 am at Trinity Reform Presbyterian Church, the Service will conclude at the church. Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory, in Montrose, Co. is assisting the family.