02/03/2026
Nancy Ford
Nancy Helen Ford, 88, of Silvis, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at New Perspective Senior Living in Silvis, surrounded by her loved ones.
She was born on September 14, 1937, in Appleton, Wisconsin, the youngest of six children of Charles Sr. and Theresa Main. Her father worked for a railroad company and relocated the family to Pasco, Washington, where she completed her schooling. She met Arthur Ford of Silvis while he was serving in the U.S. Army at Hanford and working on a barge on the Columbia River. They were united in marriage on April 30, 1955, in Pasco. They would later live in Fairbanks, Alaska and Verdun, France while Art was in the Army.
They had two sons - Dennis was born in Washington and Gene was born in France. After nine years in the Army, Art and Nancy settled in Silvis, IL where they designed and built a home and raised their boys. Art worked at the railroad and then John Deere in East Moline, while Nancy had a career in retail, first at S.S. Kresge in Moline and then Kmart in Moline, where she worked as a personnel manager before retiring. She would later work for a few years at Country Manor Candies in Bettendorf.
Nancy faced life’s many challenges with courage and quiet strength. Her son Gene passed away on February 25, 1979 at the age of 21, her daughter-in-law Pamela Ford passed away on April 10, 1991 at the age of 32, and her husband Art passed away on April 18, 1995, at the age of 59, all suddenly and tragically. Her family was devoted to her and ensured she remained healthy and in good spirits and company, with her son Dennis being a dedicated caretaker in her later years.
Nancy was generous, loving, resourceful, independent, and known for her warm smiles and laughter. She loved to travel and see the country with her family. She also enjoyed family gatherings, watching the Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeyes, shopping (especially garage sales), watching TV shows such as Mountain Men and NCIS, solving word puzzles, going to the casino with friends and family, and making some of her favorite dishes, such as German potato salad, goulash, and fruit salad. She adored her grandchildren and was so proud of all their accomplishments. She was content at home in her later years, where she lived until a few months ago when her fragile health required more care.
She loved her family and they loved and cherished her. She is survived by her son Dennis (Kim) Ford, Port Byron, IL; grandchildren Chad (Amanda) Ford, Colona, IL, Andrea (Justin) DeToye, Moline, IL, Sarah Ford (Andrew Skadberg), Hillsdale, IL, and Paul (Jasmin) Ford, Bettendorf, IA; great-grandchildren Isaiah, Shiloh, Lincoln, Winston, Chelbi, Bradlea, Gene, Ty, Bailey, Bria, and Tate; and great-great-grandchildren, Isla, Adilyn, Riann, Meteo, Miles, Alaric, and Carson; one sister, Andrea Leiby, Pasco, WA; daughter-in-law Judy (Richard) Nordholm, Silvis, IL and children Dusty Abney and Kaylee Nordholm; brother-in-law Cliff (Lynn) Ford, Silvis, IL; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members who she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Arthur Ford, son Gene Ford, daughter-in-law Pam Ford, siblings Chester Main, Margaret Kelsey, Iva Cain, and Charles Main, special "niece" Rhonda Coakley, and many other extended family members.
Cremation will be directed by Mississippi Valley Cremation and Direct Burial, 1811 15th Street Place, Moline, IL. Per her wishes, there will be no services, though a Celebration of Life and private family burial will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Dayton Corners Cemetery, Colona, IL.
The family thanks her hospice care team for providing comfort in her final days.
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