Karen Ford

Karen Rae Ford, 58, died January 26, 2009, at the University of Iowa Hospital after a courageous battle with liver disease.
Karen was born May 21, 1950, in Manchester, Iowa, to William and Rachell Cannon. She grew up in Strawberry Point, and graduated from Starmont High School. She married Robert E. Ford on May 22, 1968, into this union two sons were born, Robert L. and Anthony (Tony). They later divorced. She began her career volunteering in public politics specifically in public policy areas. She then joined a Community Action Agency in Des Moines. Karen became one of the catalysts behind the creation of the Food Bank of Iowa where she served as the Executive Director for 26 years. Karen's dedication to those less fortunate was witnessed through her work at the Food Bank of Iowa and as an advocate on the state and federal level.
Karen is survived by her two sons, Robert (Melissa) Ford of Allen, Texas; Tony (Shantelle) Ford of Ankeny; four grandchilren, Robert Jackson "Jack" Ford of Allen, Texas; Shayna, Jordan and Sydney Ford of Ankeny; a brother, Michael (Bea) Cannon of Sun Lakes, Arizona; a sister, Jean Cannon of Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Services will be held 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, February 7, 2009, at Hamilton's near Highland Memory Gardens, 121 NW 60th Ave, Des Moines.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Food Bank of Iowa.

www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

Print