Colleen Strohauer Ford

Colleen Esther Strohauer Ford, 86, of Parker, passed away with family at her side on July 27, 2013. Colleen Ford was born on November 3, 1926 at home in Platteville, Colorado. She was the youngest of nine children born to Stewart and Nellie (Webster) Davison. Her parents, her five sisters and three brothers predeceased her. The family moved to Denver when she was a young girl. She went to Baker Junior High and to West High School, where she was student council president and a member of the famous singing Christmas tree. She married Wendell Strohauer in Estes Park, CO in 1946. He preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband, Joseph Ford. They were married in Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1981. She is also survived by daughters, Ann (Jay) Skinner of Parker, Colorado, Sheryl (Jim) Drummond of Strasburg, Colorado, Loretta (Howard) Jeross of Golden, Colorado, Kathleen ( John) Rice of Castle Rock, Colorado, Mary (Tim) Doherty of Westminster, Colorado and son Kevin (Celeste) Ford of Portola Valley, California. Her grandchildren, Hannah Skinner of Saratoga Springs, New York, Hayley Skinner of Parker, Colorado, Miranda and Hillary Ford, both of San Francisco, California, Nathan Ford of Washington, DC, William Rice of Aurora, Colorado, Melanie Doherty of Littleton, Colorado, Sean Doherty currently living in China, Ryan (Jill) Doherty and Shannon Doherty of Westminster, Colorado. Colleen was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister and a loyal friend to many. She enjoyed ball games, recitals, school events and any activity of her grandchildren. She loved family gatherings and was especially fond of visits to the "Easter" farm. She loved to travel, and her favorite was road trips to cheer on the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame with stops at casinos along the way. She loved all holidays, but Christmas and St. Patrick's Day were her favorites. She passed away on July 27, 2013, surrounded by loved ones, at the end after a long journey with Alzheimer's which she endured with the same grace and dignity that she lived her life. A Rosary will be held on Tuesday evening, July 30, 2013, 7:00 p.m. followed by the Funeral Mass on Wedsnesday, July 31, 2013, 10:30 a.m. both at Ave Maria Catholic Church, 9056 E. Parker Road in Parker. Burial will be at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Fort Logan National Cemetery, 3698 S. Sheridan Boulevard, Denver, Staging Area "A". Services will conclude at the Cemetery. Memorial gifts can be made in Colleen's name to: The Alzheimer's Association, Colorado Chapter. By calling 1.800.272.3900 or Donate by mail: Alzheimer's Association of Colorado, 455 Sherman Street, Suite 500, Denver, CO 80203. More information at http://www.alz.org/join_the_cause_donate.asp. Or to Ave Maria Catholic Church, 9056 E. Parker Road, Parker, Colorado Service Information