Oren O. Ford, 79

Oren O. Ford, 79, of Columbia Falls, passed away April 23, 2013, from a lengthy illness.

He was born Dec. 29, 1933, to Lester Wilson Ford and Mary Ellen Ford.

He married Maxine Marie Eyre in Whitefish at her parents’ home April 4, 1959.

He was a farmer most of his life. He was in the Army from 1955-1957. He enjoyed raising livestock; when he did chores he could often be heard talking to his pigs.

He enjoyed gardening and was known for his beautiful gardens and quick-witted sense of humor. He enjoyed Western books and had a nice collection.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend to many. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ronald Ford; and his sister, Virginia Lomnicky.

He is survived by his wife and five children, Oren “Joe” Ford and wife Tana of Colstrip, David Ford Sr. and wife Vicky of Dillon, Ronald Ford of Butte, Kenny Ford of Columbia Falls, and Beth Burns and husband David of Pablo; eight grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be at 6 p.m. Monday, April 29, at the Deer Park School gym.