Kenneth Ray Ford

Kenneth Ray Ford obituary, Yakima, WA

Kenneth Ray Ford

Kenneth Ford Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Shaw & Sons Funeral Home on Dec. 3, 2024.

Publish in a newspaper

Ours started as a love story. High School cheerleader from a local school (Davis) sees a cute jock from another local school (Selah) and instantly has a crush. Through friends and a cousin, we met and were both smitten. So starts our story.
Ken was born Dec 8th 1953 to Woodrow and Lula Ford. He was the youngest of 6 and grew up in Selah, a small town where kids ran the streets, playing with friends until they were called home for the evening. Friendships were forged that lasted through the years until his sudden and untimely death (heart)
He played baseball at an early age (Chinook Yanks) all the way to Legion ball, becoming the ace pitcher for the Upper Valley Legion Team, who incidentally won State his senior year. Throughout his school years in Selah, he was known for his athletic ability, playing basketball, football (star quarterback) and baseball (star pitcher in the Valley). Ken graduated with the class of '72.
We were married January 26th 1974 (and again January 26th 1996 – story for another time) and were graced with a beautiful brown-eyed, dark-haired daughter we named Kacey. She was the apple of her daddy's eye! We were also fortunate to have 2 granddaughters in our lives. Many a trip was had with the girls with lots of teasing, laughter, adventures and love.
Unfortunately, due to Ken's health issues (numerous back surgeries), his work life came to a halt in the mid 90's but being a man of many talents, he kept as busy as he could. He was a man who could fix anything. Regardless of Ken's chronic pain and other surgeries throughout his life, he picked up the sport of golf and fell in love, again! He found new friends that loved the game as he did and you could find them out at Elks most Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Ken also had a group of high school friends that met every Friday morning at the T in Selah. He loved those get-togethers and would come home bringing me bits of news but reality was, their talk was mostly about the 'old days' when they were in their prime.
Ken had enjoyed hunting and fishing but as time went on, just being up in the mountains with the RV, relaxing and enjoying nature was enough for him. Most of the time you would find him (us) with in-laws Cathy and George, with the highlight of the day being 5:00 cocktails! It's 5:00 some where right?
Ken leaves behind his wife Sue, daughter Kacey, granddaughter Tayler Bergeson (Cole), granddaughter Chantel, great granddaughter Leah, brother Steve (Lorraine), daughter-in-law April Ford, sister-in-law, Sharon Ford, sister-in-law Elaine Ford, brother-in-law Roddy Baze, along with nieces and nephews.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Don and Marge Gregson, son Brian Ford, sister Shirley Nelson, brother-in-law Norm Nelson, brothers Joe and Jim Ford and sister, Rindi Baze.
I would like to thank Ken's good friends, new and old, along with our families, for listening to his constant teasing, his humor which he found hilarious and his stories. He loved you all. Ken's heart was full with the love of his family, his daughter which the sun rose and set on, his granddaughters who he had a special bond with and were the most precious gift.
Funeral services will be at Shaw and Sons Wednesday Dec 11th at 12:00, burial to follow at Terrace Heights Memorial Park and reception after at Elks in Selah. Viewing will be Tuesday December 10th from 4:00 – 7:00.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kenneth, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Kenneth Ford's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 9, 2024

Linda Ford & The McPherson's sent flowers.

December 9, 2024

Bonnie Scheuffele Wagar posted to the memorial.

December 5, 2024

Margaret Murphy (Bob Kinney´s sister) posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Alluring Elegance Bouquet

Linda Ford & The McPherson's

Sent Flowers

Bonnie Scheuffele Wagar

December 9, 2024

Sue, you are in my heart & prayers. I'm so sorry for Ken's passing. Sending my deepest sympathy...and prayers for strength & comfort for you You were a beautiful couple. Cherish your memories together. God bless you dear! Love, Bonnie Wagar

Margaret Murphy (Bob Kinney´s sister)

December 5, 2024

Sue, so very sorry to hear of your husband´s passing. Loved reading the rich life you shared together, and all of your memories that I pray will continue to bring you much comfort.
Sending you my sincere condolences, and best wishes for strength in the coming days, as you reckon with his empty chair. May your tribe gather around you with loving care, and walk beside you as you grieve.

Single Memorial Tree

George and Cathy Gieseke

Planted Trees

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results

Shaw & Sons Funeral Home

201 N 2nd St, Yakima, WA 98901

Make a Donation
in Kenneth Ford's name

How to support Kenneth's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
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
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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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 more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Kenneth 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
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

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

Sign Kenneth Ford's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 9, 2024

Linda Ford & The McPherson's sent flowers.

December 9, 2024

Bonnie Scheuffele Wagar posted to the memorial.

December 5, 2024

Margaret Murphy (Bob Kinney´s sister) posted to the memorial.