Gladys Mary (Rathgeb) Ford

     Gladys Mary (Rathgeb) Ford, 99, of Salem, IN., formerly of Greenfield, passed away peacefully at The Crossing in Salem, Monday,  May 8, 2017.   She was born January 18, 1918 in Alton, to Anthony A.J. and Grace (Strong) Rathgeb.  She married Harold Ralph Ford June 22, 1941 in Greenfield, and he preceded her in death April 4, 1983.

     Surviving is a daughter, Marlene Hartsook of Salem, IN., two sons, Richard (Christine) Ford of Petersburg, IL, and Anthony “Tony” (Karen) Ford of Carlinville, IL, eight grandchildren, Cathy Kalb, Cindy Hartsook, Chris Hartsook, Caity Willox, Jachala Gardner, Joquena Ford, Jordan Ford, Jarrett Ford, and six great-grandchildren.

     She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a brother, Robert Louis Rathgeb during WWII, a son, Robert “Bobby” Lee Ford, and a grandson, Jason Anthony Ford.

     Gladys was born and raised in Alton.  She was a farm homemaker for over 50 years. She was a longtime resident of Greenfield.  She was a member of the Greenfield United Methodist Church since 1943, a member of American Legion Women Auxiliary of Greenfield since 1949, Travelers club and Greene County Home Extension for over 50 years. She loved teaching and playing the piano at Sunday school, and was best known for her chocolate chip cookies.  She touched many lives in her 99 years.

     Visitation will be from 10 am until time of funeral services at noon on Saturday, May 13, at the Shields-Bishop Funeral Home in Greenfield. Burial will follow at the Oak Wood Cemetery north of Greenfield.   Memorials are suggested to the Greenfield United Methodist Church music department, Greenfield Boy Scouts of America unit #22 or the Greenfield Public Library.  Online condolences can be left at shields-bishopfh.com.

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