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Evalena E. Ford, of Allendale, IL, passed away on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Oakview Heights Continuous Care and Rehabilitation in Mt. Carmel, IL.
She was born on August 23, 1928, in Orio, IL. She was the daughter of Samuel Bruce and Sarah Agnes (Corrie) French. She married George Ellsworth Maxwell Ford on September 30, 1947, in Orio, IL.
Evalena was a homemaker. She worked at the clothing factory during World War II. She was an active member of the Allendale Ruritanette Club, the Orio Chowder, and a life-long and very active member of the Wabash Presbyterian Church in Orio. She was very active in her children’s activities and in community activities. She is likely mowing lawns and putting leaves into a bag somewhere in Heaven.
She is survived by four children, Tom and wife Terri, Connie Cusick, Lonnie and wife Susan, and Bruce and wife Robbin. Also surviving are seven grandchildren Amy Neikirk, Becky Lane, Chris Cusick, Brent Ford, Loni Moyes, Clint Ford, and Zach Ford; sixteen great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild and Kay Ford.
Evalena was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 63 years, Max, a son-in-law Robert Cusick, two grandchildren Heather Ford and Nick Ford, one great grandson, and a sister Lois Cozart.
Visitation will be held on Sunday December 28, from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Wabash Presbyterian Church 11188 N 2300 Boulevard Allendale IL 62410.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Monday December 29, at Wabash Presbyterian Church. There will be visitation from 10:00 am until the time of service.
Burial will follow the service in the Wabash Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to Allendale Ruritan Club. Envelopes will be available at the church.
Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com
Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ford family.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Evalena Eileen (French) Ford, please visit our floral store.
Allendale Ruritan
310 E Main Street, Allendale IL 62410