Obituaries
Ronald E. Ford, 84
April 19, 1940 - November 21, 2024
Ronald E Ford of Lancaster died peacefully surrounded by his loving family and his wife of 59 years, Mary Ann on November 21, 2024. Born on April 19, 1940, he was the second child of 10 to the late James W Ford and Viola Ewell Ford. The Fords were known as a quiet and loving family that professed a deep faith; a commitment to their church, education, hard work and love of community. His father was the most significant person in his life, who, as a veteran sent Ron and his brother Kenneth to the Scotland School for Veterans’ Children. Ron was an outstanding athlete and team player who went on to Morgan State University as a sprinter for the track team. Initially working in Baltimore, he came back to his beloved Lancaster and to the 7th Ward where he and Mary Ann raised two children, along with keeping close seven grandchildren who gave them the further joy of great and great-great grandchildren. Ron was a devoted family man who carried on the tradition of a close and loving family that was engendered by his parents.
Ron embodied the true spirit of giving, a legacy of kindness, leadership and service. He always displayed his servant leadership both at work and in his community. He had a gift for making people feel that they were heard no matter who they were or their circumstance. This trait was especially valuable when he was a Human Resource Professional for 21 years at Case New Holland. Both management and employees felt that his approach was fair and respectful.
A quiet trailblazer, he loved the City of Lancaster, dedicating himself to constant improvements for the city and its residents. Often, one would notice that something had changed for the better, wondering how that happened. Ron was already walking ahead, on to his next goal, without looking for credit. His beautiful wife, Mary Ann was his constant partner with family and community. He served on many Boards and with community organizations and Mary Ann accompanied him every step of the way. If you knew and loved Ron, you also knew and loved Mary Ann.
This quiet trailblazer was the first Black President of Lancaster City Council from 1991 to 1994, having served on Council from 1975 to 1984 and 1990 to 1994. He was also the first and only Black County Commissioner, elected in 1995 with Terry Kauffman and Paul Thibault. Before they took office, as they came together, he told them that, as the lone Democrat, he had no intention of being the voice of contradiction. He wanted to get things done prompting a moment in time when long overlooked but critical projects got done. They energized multiple communities throughout Lancaster County along with the elected and appointed officials in County Government. Indeed, in the weeks prior to Ron and Paul’s retirement from office, County employees fashioned a banner of accomplishments that hung from the second-floor balcony and touched the first floor of the courthouse. On his last day as a County Commissioner, he sat in his office, boxes filled with his belongings and said to those gathered, “I have a deep sense of satisfaction. We accomplished everything that I wanted to get done. It’s a good feeling.”
Those accomplishments yielded a number of well-deserved awards, most notably the NAACP Freedom Fund Award and the Commissioner of the Year Award. It should also be noted that although he “retired” twice, he remained an active contributor to his community.
He was predeceased, in addition to his parents by his daughter, Debra Ford and his siblings Kenneth, Jerry, Elizabeth and Dale. In addition to his wife Mary Ann, he is survived by his son Scott Ford, grandchildren David Woods, Tyaunna Woods, Nicole Burton, Stanley Autry Jr., Tyree Ford, Porsha Ford and Kayla Ford along with a number great and great, great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings: Harold Ford; Stanford Ford; Dwight Ford; Larry Ford and Brian Ford.
A celebration of his life will be held at Brightside Baptist Church; 515 Hershey Avenue; Lancaster, PA on Friday November 29 at 12 PM, the family will receive guests from 10 AM to 12 PM. Interment to follow at Mellinger Mennonite Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests any donations to be sent to Ebenezer Baptist Kitchen Committee.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
December 04, 2024
I wish the entire Ford family peace and comfort as they navigate this journey of loss. I had the pleasure as a very young guy to meet Ron in a social setting with some friends of my parents. He was really genuine and kind man. I then had the oppportunity to cross paths with him off and on throughout the years and he always had a kind word and recalled that meeting long ago. One of the true Good Guys!
Charlie Heisey
December 02, 2024
My codolences to the Ford family. Ron was several grades ahead of me at Scotland but I remember him being very nice and well respected. After many years I had the pleasure of seeing him once again at one of our Scotland luncheons and enjoyed talking to him. Ron will be missed by his Scotland sisters and brothers.
Sylvia Shrawder Mathieu ’61
November 30, 2024
Brian,
My condolences for the loss of your brother, Ron. As a Lancaster native, I had the blessing to meet members of your tight-knit family, proud accomplishments, and commitment to the community. May God grant you and your loved ones serenity and strength in your grief.
November 30, 2024
Dear sister Ford and family,my deepest condolences to you and your family !
November 29, 2024
Mary Ann,
I’m so sorry Al & I could not be there. you know our hearts are with you. Ron was so special to both of us.
I just watched the video Tribute – it brought back a lot of great memories. We will always remember that when we RENEWED our Marriage Vows, Ron was Al’s Best Man.
We are Praying that God’s love will continue to Comfort you and the Family and Give you Peace. We will see you soon. Sending you our Love and heart felt condolences,
Al & Kathryn
Richmond, VA
November 29, 2024
I am grateful for Mr. Ron Ford and his work and legacy in Lancaster. I was an aspiring education leader at McCaskey during Ron’s time on Lancaster City Council and as a County Commissioner. Ron was a leader that I looked up to and admired for his wisdom, grace, professionalism, and humility. I distinctly remember him as a quiet force for good.
My prayers go out to his family and friends during this time of bereavement.
Irvin Scott
November 29, 2024
Only met him once. He and his wife were welcoming and gracious. Wish we could have seen them on our last visit. Be blessed family. God is always with you. Vivian and Arthur Felder
November 29, 2024
Mrs. Ford and family,
My condolences on Ron’s passing. He was the embodiment of a dedicated public servant. My interactions with him were always cordial and eluminating. Lancaster County benefitted greatly from his wisdom and wise counsel. May you be comforted in the knowledge that the man you loved and admired will be remembered fondly by the people he served with such a capable presence.
Congressman(ret) Bob Walker
November 29, 2024
Mary Ann and family, My deepest sympathy to you and the family, I first met Ron on the day of our installation to elected office of Lancaster County, I came to know him and work with him as Prothonotary of Lancaster County over the next 8 years. I appreciated him as a fellow officer of the county and friend. Ron always put the best for the county first and politics never entered in our work or freindship. May the Peace of God be with you and your family .
Robert H Getz, Jr.
November 28, 2024
Sorry for your loss. May god comfort you in these challenging moments. 💕. I will let my Aunt Alice know.
November 27, 2024
My sympathies to Ron’s family. I knew him as a county commisioner and lauded his good works. May the future of Lancaster include more men and women of his vision and caliber.
November 27, 2024
Dear Ford Family,
I am sorry to learn of Ron’s passing. Ron was instrumental for many things in our community. His impact will be realized for many generations. Thank you,
Ron for all you have done.
Molly Henderson
November 26, 2024
Mary Ann and Scott and family, we are sending you our beloved condolences. On behalf of our father, the daughters of late Matthew Ruffin, Jr. feel comfort in knowing that Ron received his heavenly wings. Sending you all Big Hugsss.
November 26, 2024
Sending prayers n condolences to Mary Ann/Ford family members from Earl//Mary/Bonnie/Aaron/Papa Boots regarding the passing of Ron. The Ford/Boots families were neighbors on S. Christian St for 22 years, proud to witness so many outstanding accomplishments from the Ford family members. Ron was a kind n friendly man, who was willing to encourage people of all color to be successful in their life journey.
November 26, 2024
Ron Ford was a kind and thoughtful leader. I admired him. It was a pleasure to have worked with Ron on a number of political campaigns. He was respectful of others and did not get drawn into pettiness. In my family, the best political “defeat” that Lilia and I experienced was in 1995 when Ron became County Commissioner. We knew that Ron would do a great job for the citizens of Lancaster. And he did.
To Mary Ann and family, we send you our thanks and hopeful wishes in your time of loss.
David and Lilia Nice
November 26, 2024
My memories of Ron stem from our family beach trips and camping days. (His daughter Debbie and I became very good friends.) Ron was a very quiet and kind man, although I do remember that boyish giggle that came out when something tickled his sense of humor. My long lasting picture of Ron will be of sitting in front of the campfire with a cigar in his mouth and a big smile on his face. He will truly be missed.
November 26, 2024
The Whitfield family sends condolences and prayers to the Ford family.
November 26, 2024
A leader and a gentleman – our deepest condolences- Tom & Arlene Hassler
November 26, 2024
A real gentleman, true patriot and steadfast servant of the people of Lancaster, Mr. Ford was a friend of our family for many years; fishing with my dad, politicing with mom, and attending weddings of us children. We are all proud to have known him and Mrs Ford. We wish peace to his family at this difficult time. Kat Landis and Jim Althouse.
November 26, 2024
Alston family sends our deepest condolences. We are praying for the entire family during this difficult moment. Ron will forever be missed. His love and countless support for the Lancaster city community will forever resonate throughout the city of Lancaster.
November 26, 2024
Sending heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Ford and family. It’s no secret that Ron was a beloved leader who’ll be missed deeply in this community. Lancaster is a better place because of Ron’s presence and remarkable work. I’m thankful for his mentorship and friendship. Rest in peace, Ron.
November 26, 2024
Dear Maryann and family, we are so sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. He was a great man. You have all our love and sympathy and prayers.Ken and Linda Brubaker
November 26, 2024
Our sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Ron Ford upon his passing away. Ron achieved many great acomplishments which enhanced, enlightened, and uplifted the quality of life for the people of Lancaster City and Lancaster County. However earlier on, he worked as an Associate Director of the Lancaster County, PA Urban League, alongside my Dad, Edward W. Allen, in delivering needed community services and uplift of African American, minority, and low/moderate income groups, back in the 1960s. Ron was a great asset to the organization and the Lancaster Community and he was fun to know outside of the serious work. ron carried on in the spirit of leadership and development of the Ford family of Lancaster, as a great public servent. We Allens greatly appreciate Ronald Ford and his beautiful wife Mary Ann and all of the great Ford family. Ron was a great Son of Lancaster and he gave back to those people who needed his help and support, the most. Thank you, greatly, Ronald Ford. We are proud of you!!!
Sincerely,
Richard W. Allen & the Allen Family
November 26, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Ron was a titan of the community
November 25, 2024
Sending my condolences to the Ford family. God bless you all. What a servant for the Lord, his family and community. Thank you Commissioner Ford, for opening a job for me when I was denied because of my Race.
November 25, 2024
My condolences you will always be in the hearts of those affected by your loss my prayers are with the family
November 25, 2024
He was one of the best, as is his family. I feel so privileged to have worked with him and to call him my friend. We are all better because he walked among us. With deepest sympathy and love. Timothea Kirchner
November 25, 2024
To the Ford family,
I am praying your strength during this difficult period. I remember this man fondly known as Uncle Ron by Phaedra being very humble full of life and very fun. Aunt Marianne you are sweet soul and God has special strength for you. Scott you are loved also.
Love you all
Sharon Brown
Richmond VA
November 25, 2024
Hi Maryann, so sorry to hear about Ron. I just could not believe it. My prayers are with you and the family. Sould you need me for anything please call me .I’m avalable for you. Love ya much.717-201-6017
Katie
November 25, 2024
So incredibly sad to hear of Ron’s passing! I treasure our time and efforts together in the pursuit of “good trouble” in Lancaster politics. We have lost a saint but Heaven will benefit 🙂 Rest in peace Ron! You have fought the most valiant fight and Lancaster is so privileged and blessed to have had your leadership!
November 25, 2024
From the Wilson Girls we send our deepest condolences to the family. Mr.Ron watched me play bball, Jackie run Track, and many others he was the Red Tornados biggest fan! The many firsts Mr.Ron accomplished were doing times many Blacks in the 7th ward were trying to raise families and get good paying jobs. Thank You Mr.Ron for your service to our community.
November 25, 2024
Sending Love And Prayers At Difficult Time Will Y’all Keep Y’all In My Prayers 🙏🏿💔😇🕊️
November 24, 2024
Sending my prayers and condolences to his family you are loved and will always be remembered love Barbara Dupree
- Visitation
- Friday, November 29, 2024
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- Bright Side Baptist Church
- 515 Hershey Avenue
- Lancaster, PA 17603
- Map and Directions
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Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Friday, November 29, 2024
- 12:00 PM
- Bright Side Baptist Church
- 515 Hershey Avenue
- Lancaster, PA 17603
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
