Virginia Crane Ford

Virginia Crane Ford, age 96, passed away on Tuesday, January 8, 2013, at St. Joseph Bluffs. Virginia was born on August 22, 1916, in Clinton, Ind., the daughter of Cecil Robin and Dora Jordan Crane. She was married on July 21, 1945, in Clinton, to Henry Ford, who passed away in 2010 at the age of 94. Virginia had told Henry in kindergarten that she was one day going to marry him. Virginia graduated from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Ind. in 1938. She later did graduate work at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind. She taught art and English in the public schools of Ind. for 26 years, most of that time in South Bend where she was named Teacher of the Year. She was Art Director for the South Bend School District when she retired in 1971. Virginia was a member of Indiana State Teachers Association, Delta Kappa Gamma educational honor society, and the National Educators Art Association. Virginia loved spending time with her family and keeping in touch with family and friends through phone calls and letters. She also loved traveling, her volunteer work at Capital Region Medical Center, reading, crossword puzzles, playing games and completing jigsaw puzzles. Virginia is survived by her son, John Crane Ford and his wife, Priscilla of Jefferson City; her daughter, Roberta Vermaaten and her husband, Paul of Bowling Green, Ohio; her grandchildren, Seth Vermaaten and his wife, Val of Columbus, Ohio and Sally Vermaaten of Wellington, New Zealand. She was also a beloved aunt to many nieces and nephews. A private family memorial service will be held in Clinton, Ind. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor's choice.