Persis (Birdie) Marguerite Ford, a long-time resident of Central City, died in her home at Summit Pointe Senior Living on Saturday, July 26, 2014, at the age of 97. Funeral Service: 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, 2014, at Central City United Church of Christ. The family will greet friends from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm prior to the service Thursday at the church. Burial: Mt. Clark Cemetery, Central City. Arrangements by: Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Central City.
Persis Hutchins was born in Moose Lake, Minnesota, but spent almost her entire life in Central City, Iowa. She married John Richard Ford on June 29th, 1940. They were married for 51 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; five siblings; and her husband.
Survivors include her daughters Ann Gilbertson of Windsor, Wisconsin and Jean (Gary) Schwegler of Marion; five grandchildren; and fifteen great-grandchildren.
Persis was active in the Central City United Church of Christ, Order of the Eastern Star, Garden Club, and Legion Auxiliary. For many years, she worked as a cook in the lunch room at the Central City school, and is remembered by former graduates as the “lunch lady”. Persis was an excellent baker and cook, and is remembered for her cinnamon rolls and cookies.
Persis and her husband loved to travel, and they toured extensively throughout the United States. She also enjoyed vacationing with her children and grandchildren, especially the annual trip to Adventureland. She was an avid Hawkeye fan and especially enjoyed men’s basketball games.
She will always be remembered for her quick wit, ready smile and appreciative manner.
A memorial fund has been established in Persis’ memory.
Please share a memory of Persis at
www.murdochfuneralhome.com
under obituaries.