Anna Maribel (Swinson) Ford

Maribel Ford, 86, of Maize, KS, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on January 12, 2023. She was born August 31, 1936, to Stanley and Jessie (Bell) Swinson and was raised in Isabel, KS. After a short time in college, Maribel married John Ford on June 15, 1956, at the Isabel Methodist Church and the couple celebrated 64 years of marriage. Their marriage was particularly special because a few years earlier, Maribel’s sister Marlene also married John’s brother Floyd “Smoky” Ford and the four would continue spending the next few decades celebrating life’s milestones together. John and Maribel eventually laid their roots in March 1975 when they moved to Maize, KS with their daughter, Tamy, and son, Randy. Shortly after their move, the family became active members of the Maize United Methodist Church. Maribel served on various boards within the church and remained a member until her death. In addition, she was an active member of the Beta Sigma Phi social sorority for fifty-eight years. In 1978, Maribel was hired as the Board of Education Clerk at Maize Unified School District No. 266 and held her position until her retirement in 1998. After raising their children, John and Maribel became avid fans of the Wichita State Shockers and were season ticket holders for thirty-three years. Maribel adored her three granddaughters and loved attending their various activities. As the family grew, she was able to continue to enjoy the activities of six great-grandchildren. She loved her family and always looked forward to holidays at her home. In addition to her parents, Maribel was preceded in death by her husband John; infant sister, Rosemary; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Betty Swinson; sister and brother-in-law, Marlene and Smoky Ford; and son-in-law Gene Pollman. Surviving are her daughter, Tamy Pollman of Maize; son, Randy and his wife Jill of Arlington; three grandchildren: DeeDee (Pollman) Kittle and her husband Jason, Amanda Ford and Erin Ford; six great-grandchildren: Haleigh Avila, Jadeon Vermillion, Landon Vermillion, Peyton Vermillion, Jaxon Kittle and Cameron Kittle; and three nephews: Stan Swinson, Eldon Ford and Todd Ford. Visitation will be offered from 5-7 PM Thursday, January 19th at Downing and Lahey Mortuary West, 10515 W. Maple Wichita. A memorial service will be Friday, January 20th at 10:00 AM at Maize United Methodist Church 208 E. Academy, Maize, KS graveside services will follow at Maize Park Cemetery. Those who wish, may make a gift in Maribel’s memory to: Maize United Methodist Church, PO Box 265, Maize, KS 67101.