Catherine Ford

Catherine Mary Ford was born to Jacob and Amelia (Washburn) Drexler in Jackson County, Minnesota. She attended Lakefield Public School in Lakefield, Minnesota, graduating in 1959. She went on to Naeve Hospital School of Nursing in Albert Lea, Minnesota and graduated on June 8, 1962 with her registered nurse degree. On May 18, 1963, Catherine was united in marriage to Dennis Ford at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Lakefield. Catherine became a farm wife alongside her career as a nurse. Her nursing career spanned many years at various hospital and nursing home settings, as well as New Life Treatment Center in Woodstock, Minnesota. Catherine retired in 2006. Dennis preceded her in death in January 2022. Catherine passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Pipestone County Hospice House at the age of 84.

Catherine was a member of St. Martin Catholic Church in Woodstock until its closing. She then attended St. Leo Catholic Church in Pipestone, Minnesota. Catherine’s passions included cooking, gardening, and baking. She was a gifted cook and enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends. Her cinnamon rolls made from scratch were the best! Every year she raised a garden and canned loads of produce. She especially loved growing houseplants and violets were her favorite. Catherine was a person of deep faith which guided her every day.

Catherine is survived by her four children, Diana (Kregg) Kircher of Severance, Colorado, Christine (Chad) Ford Elliott of Simpsonville, South Carolina, Robert (Angie) Ford of Lake Wilson, Minnesota, and Laurie (Chad) Bucher of Jasper, Minnesota; seven grandchildren, Laura Babb, Dylan Ford, Justin Babb, Taylor Ford, Brady Ford, Amelia Bucher, and Colin Bucher; sister-in-law, Ann Drexler of Maplewood, Minnesota; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis Ford; brothers, Lawrence Drexler, James Drexler, and Joseph Drexler; parents, Jacob and Amelia Drexler; sister-in-law, Darlene Ford; and brother-in-law, Bernard Ford.

Memorials are preferred and may be directed to either the Pipestone County Hospice House or Boulder Creek Memory Care unit in Marshall, Minnesota.