Crystal Lynn Ford, 37
Crystal Lynn Ford, 37, left this earth to the embrace of our Lord’s arms on Oct. 12, 2022. She left unexpectedly and much too soon, but surely left a piece of herself in every heart that knew her.
She was born to Lester and Barbara Ford in Kalispell Nov. 6, 1984. She grew up near Columbia Falls. Crystal was a dynamic soul and so full of spice. Taking care of everyone was just part of her “big as life” heart.
She attended Ruder Elementary, junior high and high school in Columbia Falls, graduating in the spring of 2003. She enjoyed playing her flute, which she started in grade six, and continued through junior high and high school.
Crystal loved animals, especially the horses. Her first ride on horseback was when she was just 6 weeks old. She began showing interest in her mom’s horse. That was all it took for her to gallop off with the wind in her hair. Before long she joined the Golden Spurs 4-H Club where she continued her love of horses and a bit of fun-loving competition. As an adult, she kept up her love of horses, constantly sending her family pictures and selfies of herself and a new horse friend. She was employed by Town Pump and was dearly loved by her coworkers and customers.
She is survived by her parents, Lester Ford, and stepmother Kathryn Ford of Kalispell, and Barbara Yerkes of Shelby; and three brothers, Jesse Ford of Vaughn, Daniel and Andrew Ford, both of Billings, and foster sister Michelle Sutherland of Columbia Falls. She is also survived by her grandmother, Joyce Ford, of Sierra Vista; aunt, Deborah Ford, of Billings; uncle, Lyle Ford and wife Alegria of Arizona; aunt, Laurie Hatleburg and husband Kirt of Mountain Brook; uncle, Charles (Butch) Yerkes and wife Mitzi of Sonoita, Arizona; cousin, Michelle Ford, of Billings; Christopher and Jeff Yerkes, both of Kalispell, and numerous extended family members and countless friends.
She was preceded in death by her brother Jason Ford, grandfathers Ronald J. Ford and Charles E. Yerkes, grandmother Margaret O. Yerkes, and dearest friends JD French and Jeff Clark.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 29, at Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home, 525 South Main Street, Kalispell, MT 59901.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in Crystal’s memory to Horse Haven Montana, P.O. Box 599, Frenchtown, MT 59834; 406-880-0683; info@horsehavenmt.org.