Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Stephania Ford Obituary
Perry - Stephania Jill Ford (Swanson) passed away on Monday, September 10, 2018 in her home in Perry, Michigan surrounded by her family and beloved dogs, after a long fought battle with cancer.
Stephania is survived by her husband, Bradley Ford, daughter Jessica Sawatzki (Ford), son-in-law Andrew Sawatzki, brothers Jerry Swanson and Richard Swanson, aunt Elaine Hunt, her beloved dogs; Caesar, Astro and Olive, and countless friends which she considered family.
Stephania was predeceased by her son Bradley "Jay" Ford, her uncle Francis "Buck" Hunt and her darling pug Keebler.
Stephania worked at and graduated from Michigan State University.
She loved baking, shopping with her daughter, Pugs, music, and being surrounded by friends and family.
A memorial service will be held on Friday at 11:00 AM at Watkins Brothers Funeral Home in Perry with Pastor Randall Johnson officiating.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Thursday from 5-8 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted at the Sparrow Foundation c/o Bradley's Legacy.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by going to www.watkinsfuneralhomes.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephania Ford
Sponsored by Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes - Perry Chapel.
October 5, 2018
Dear Jerry, Tim, Matt and the rest of the Swanson and Ford Families, I am very sorry for your loss.
Jon Morrone
Linda Hartwig
September 18, 2018
Dear Brad and Jessie,
No words can express how shocked and saddened I was to hear of Steph's passing. Although we haven't talked for such a long time, how strange that she had been in my thoughts lately.
I have such fond memories of the Thanksgivings we spent together. It was such a treat for all of us. We all looked forward to your visits.
Steph was a joy to be with--always concerned about others and willing to do for others. She was a very special person--the best.
My heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
Pam Norris
September 18, 2018
I'm so sorry to learn of your loss. Sending you prayers of comfort and peace during this very painful time. I worked with Stephanie in MBA Career Services. She was a wonderful colleague. She will be dearly missed. RIP my friend.
Beth Thomas
September 18, 2018
To Stephanie's family, my deepest condolences to all. I worked with Stephanie in the College of Business MBA Program. She was a wonderful person, always had a cheery disposition. I again worked with her in Food Stores. She will be missed.
Sally Zetzer
September 17, 2018
My heart goes out to your family at this sad time. Steph was one of the most gracious and welcoming people I worked with while we were both at Olin. Even after each of us transferred to different departments whenever we would run into each other it was as if no time had passed. Her caring friendship was a blessing. Rest in peace, my friend.
Bonni Kenyon
September 17, 2018
To Matt tim Richard and Jerry all the rest of family.
So sorry to hear of Stephanie passing.
We were close in younger years. We went to brownie together.
Many fun times.
So sorry
Lea Mitchell
September 15, 2018
Tim and Matt I am very sorry to hear about your sister's passing.
Ken and Trish Wallace
September 14, 2018
So sorry for your loss Brad and Jessica
Kendra and Wendy Bushard
September 14, 2018
Brad and Jessica,
We are so sorry for your loss. Stephanie was a very kind sweet lady who always welcomed us in your home. We have so many memories together in girl scouts. May she be at peace now in the company of Jay and our Heavenly Father.
The Heron Family
September 14, 2018
Brad and Jessica, so sorry for the loss of your beautiful Wife and Mom may she rest in peace our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most trying time. Sending our Love
Teri Woodbury
September 14, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. She was a very special lady . I worked with her at Foid Stores and we called each other Girlie Girl. She was my bright spot in my day everyday. Always a smile on her face even when times were rough. I am so blessed to have known her.
Linda and Billy Faust
September 13, 2018
Our sweet sweet sister. Losing you has put a big void in our hearts. We will love and miss you everyday. Steph was one in a million! She was always thinking of others and she was the most thoughtful person. I told her many times how her caring for others had touched their lives. She loved Brad, Jess and Andy and would do anything for them. I will miss you sitting with me by the lake .
I know Jay has your mansion all ready for you,
until we meet again face to face, you will be in
our hearts.
September 13, 2018
Brad and Jessica, we are so sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
The Lyon Family
(Bob, Jamie, Emma, and Avery)
Schroeder Family
September 13, 2018
Stephanie was such a nice person.She was friends with our sister Robin.She always came over our house when they were in high school.She will be sadly missed by us all.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gene Volunteer at Sparrow
September 13, 2018
Brad, Family I am so sorry for the passing of your wife and mom. My prayers are with you all.
Mary Plowman
September 13, 2018
She always had a smile on her face. I enjoyed her very much. Im so sorry for your loss, she cared about the Children at the Perry Elementary. We will miss her! God bless!
Gayle Thorne
September 12, 2018
Brad and Jessica my sincere condolences for both your losses.
Stephania has been a very dear friend for over 20 years. She was such a beautiful woman...inside and out. Her love for her family was unconditional. Her love for her pups adorable.
I am going to miss this amazing woman full of kindness and grace. My heart aches for my loss and breaks for your loss. May God be with you through out the upcoming days, months and years. May Steph finally Rest In Peace.
Hugs and prayers,
Gayle
Linda Seppala
September 12, 2018
So sad to hear of Stephanie's passing....she is with Jay now....
Patsy Barrett
September 12, 2018
Brad and Jessica. I am so sorry. She was a great lady. Many memories I will treasure from our days in Connecticut and the time I spent in Michigan golfing. She is now free of pain. She will always be with you. RIP My Friend.
Brenda Vargo
September 12, 2018
My deepest condolences to Brad, Jessica and Andy. Stephania was such a generous, caring and loving woman! Her strength and courage was limitless . May she RIP with her beloved son, Jay! Heaven received a beautiful angel!
Karen Gray
September 12, 2018
Jess, Andy and Brad;
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived and take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over all of you.
Kathy Gross
September 12, 2018
Dearest Brad, Jess & Andy, Ed and I send our condolences on the passing of Stephania. No words at this time can replace your grief. Just know that you are all in our hearts and prayers. Rest in Peace Stephania with our Lord.
Sandy Sturm
September 12, 2018
Stephanie will be remembered for her joyful smile and heart warming personality. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family from her MSU family.
Brenda Cunningham
September 11, 2018
I remember all the great times we had when we were growing up in Rhode Island. You will be truly missed. Rest in peace, dear cousin. May God Bless you all in this time of great sadness! May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Noreen & Tom Sawatzki
September 11, 2018
We have lost a friend and a lovely lady. We were in laws to each others child and shared grand puppies too. We will miss Stephania but we know she has seen the face of the Lord, and is sharing Heaven with her beloved son Jay. Rest In Peace, our friend.
Cindy Swain
September 11, 2018
Stephanie had a heart of gold and was kind to everyone she met. I was blessed to have her as a friend. She was one of a kind. Howie and I have great memories of dinners, concerts, cookouts, holidays and board games with Steph and Brad. My heart goes out to you Brad, Jessie and Andy at this sad, sad time. Rest in Heaven my friend.
Roxanne Rasch
September 11, 2018
I have no words. I hope you know how loved and cared for your family has been, and continue to be today and always from our family. Prayers from all the Rasch family to yours.
Nanette Wizner Allen
September 11, 2018
Rest In Peace sweet lady. Prayers and love to Jessica, Andy and Family.
Ruth and Paul Liska
September 11, 2018
Rest In Paradise, Stephania.
Our most sincere condolences to Brad, Jess and Andy.
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
Make a Donation
in Stephania Ford's name
Memorial Events
for Stephania Ford
Funeral services provided by:
Watkins Brothers Funeral Homes - Perry Chapel214 S. Main St., Perry, MI 48872
How to support Stephania's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Stephania Ford's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
