Vera Cole Ford August 28, 1927 - February 2, 2007

Our wonderful mother passed away peacefully with her husband of 62 years holding her hand. She was born on August 28, 1927 in Edna, Oklahoma. She married her childhood sweetheart Reuben Ford on February 8, 1944.

Vera loved her family very much and enjoyed reminiscing about being a majorette in the old Lincoln School Marching Band, dancing the night away at the Annual American Legion New Year's Eve Party, card parties at the Coopers, family camping trips to Yosemite, and the Second Street back yard activities with all kids from neighborhood, cruising the Hawaiian Islands with dear friends Luther and Jane Swayne and the unforgettable experience of taking her four young children to San Francisco on the train. Whenever possible she loved going to her children's and grandchildren's numerous activities. She was their number one fan. After raising her children, she moved around extensively with her husband as he pursued his career with the U.S. Postal Service. Last January she and Reuben returned to Bakersfield after spending their initial retirement years in Santa Barbara, California.

Vera was a very devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend to all those whom lives she touched. Will miss her presence. She had a free spirit, great sense of humor and especially enjoyed having a good time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, friends, relatives, and residents of the Valle Verda Retirement Community, Santa Barbara. She cared about the happiness of others and always encouraged them with unconditional love to pursue their dreams. Vera's grandchildren and great grandchildren lovingly called her OMA. She was a member of Cain Memorial AME Church and Santa Joaquina No. 14 Order of Eastern Star.

Vera was preceded in death by her Mother Rosie Fields and Stepfather Benjamin Fields, Father Bill Cole, Uncle and Aunt Julius and Sally Harper, Sister and Brother-in law Loveta and Otis Autry.

She leaves to cherish her legacy a host of relatives and friends. Vera is survived by her loving husband Reuben and their four children: Ruby Faye Roberson, Los Angeles, Rev. Reuben Wayne Ford (Joyce), Camborilla, Dr. Janet Ford Shell, Bakersfield, Don Gene Ford (Dr. Faye), Scottsdale, Arizona. Grandchildren: Regina Henderson (Brian), Reena Cherry (Byron), Michael "Clay" Shell (Leticia), Dawn Iparraguirre (John), and Gabriel Ford Great-grandchildren: Myles Shell, Mason Shell, Jordan Shell, Breanne Henderson, Kelsey Henderson and Savannah Bonner, Uncle Jessie Shaw (Ola Mae) Sapulpa, Oklahoma Sister Delores Hytch and husband Dr. William Hytch. Princes Ann, Maryland, sister Salon Bass, Beggs Oklahoma, Brother, Johnnie Cole Elizabeth, New Jersey. Other special people: Charles D. Ford, Willie Shell, Zadie Hurd, Jennifer Shell, Barbara Wyatt, Omar Sleem (Russell Grimes), Letha Battle, Sally Higginbotham, Russel Bradford, Mattie Warren, Second Street neighborhood families, special Santa Barbara friends, Joe and Peggy Taylor, Velma Dorsey and Janet Davis. The Vera Ford family wish to express our thanks and deepest gratitude to Dr. James Saiki and his caring staff, the loving folks at Rosewood Retirement Community-- special thanks to Marlos, Vickie, Rose, Betty and Bev, the supportive associates of Bakersfield Dialysis Center-Purple Unit, and the compassionate nurse and staff of Hoffman Hospice who cared for our mother. Additionally we wish to thank Mom's Santa Barbara medical team, Dr. Joseff, Dr. Jackson, and the personnel of the Valle Verda Retirement Community.

Memorial Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday February 10, 2007 Cain Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Church 630 California Avenue Bakersfield, California 93304. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made in Vera Ford name to Cain Memorial African Episcopal Church, 630 California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93304, Hoffman Hospice Society, 5300 California Avenue, Suite 1, Bakersfield, CA 93309 or Rosewood Retirement Community Health Center 1401 New Stine Rd. Bakersfield, California 93309.

Viewed online at Bakersfield Californian on October 18, 2009.