It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved Mom/Nan, Nelda L. Ford, on Monday, May 18, 2026, at the age of 93.

She was born on January 14, 1933, in Eureka, Illinois, the daughter of Arthur and Ida Hartter Meinders. She married Earl K. Ford on December 29, 1951, and he passed away on January 14, 2006. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one sister, Willamae Ladendorf, and son-in-law, Chuck Ziemer. Surviving are three daughters, Sandra Ziemer of Washington, Illinois; Kathy (Steve) Church of Peoria Heights, Illinois; and Becky (Steve) Holmes of Peoria, Illinois. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Tracy (Chris) Spears, Jason (Erin) Church, Matt (Stephanie) Church, Julia Church, Jerrad Huffman, Sarah (Danny) Adams, Kyle (Andrea) Holmes, 22 great-grandchildren (and one on the way), and 1 great-great-grandchild.

She was truly the heart of our family - a gentle, loving soul whose life was marked by kindness, service, and unwavering love for those around her.

Nan found joy in the simple things like sewing, crocheting, knitting, and sharing sweets with the people she loved. She enjoyed many trips with her Family to the Smoky Mountains and Florida.

She had a servant's heart and spent her life caring for others, working as a CNA at Methodist Hospital and Buehler Home.

While our hearts are broken, we find comfort imagining the joyful reunion she shared with her beloved husband, Earl, after so many years apart.

The love she gave so freely will continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, and all who were blessed enough to know her. She was truly one of a kind, and our world is forever better because she was in it. 

Cremation rites have been accorded. Her family will privately celebrate her life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Foster's Pet Outreach or the Donor's Choice. Mason-White Funeral Home, Washington, has been entrusted with her cremation arrangements.