Donna S. Ford, 77, St. Joseph, Missouri, passed away Friday, April 3, 2026.
She was born August 4, 1948 to Donald D. and Marjorie L. (Mack) Berry in Kansas City, Kansas.
Donna was united in marriage to Larry W. Ford on June 29, 1974. Together they shared many years of life, love, and family until his passing on March 11, 2003.
From the time Donna was a child, she knew she wanted to be a teacher. That lifelong calling became the foundation of a remarkable career in education that spanned 38 years. She retired after many years of faithful service at Robidoux Middle School, where she was one of the original teachers when the school opened in 1974. Donna loved her work deeply. She cherished her students, valued her coworkers, and appreciated everything about the school community that became such an important part of her life.
She was known for always taking care of everyone, and she did so with a heart full of love and a spirit that was both nurturing and firm. She was strict when she needed to be, but those who knew her best understood that her discipline came from a place of deep care and concern.
One of Donna’s greatest joys was cooking, which was one of the ways she expressed her love for others. She also enjoyed reading and made sure to pass that love on to her daughters by taking them to the library.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and grandson, Jakoby Hughes
Survivors include her children, Karen Goodman (Josh) and Rebecca Ford; grandchildren, Ian Pansza, Jalynne Ford, and Rubi Pansza; bonus grandchildren, Sage Pansza, Lucy Goodman, and Soloman Goodman; great granddaughter, Gianna Ford whom Donna adored; siblings, Joy Ferdinand (John) and Dana Benigar (Warren); numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
Graveside Farewell Services and Inurnment 3:00 P.M. Friday, April 10, Memorial Park Cemetery. The procession will leave from Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory.
