JUDITH L. FORD

Judith L. Ford, 73 of Martinsburg, passed away early Saturday morning, May 18, 2019, at her residence.

At Judy's request, a private interment will be held at Dry Hill Cemetery, rural Woodbury, and a public memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 28, at Foot of Ten Independent Baptist Church, Duncansville. Pastor David Huston will officiate.

Judy was born on June 5, 1945, and raised in rural New Jersey, enjoying the benefits of country living, daughter of the late James A. and Laura (Griscom) Bowers.

She married Richard M. Ford on Dec. 21, 1968, in Jacksonville, New Jersey.

Surviving are her beloved husband of 50 years; two sons: R. Brian (Robin) Ford of Martinsburg and James E. (Lisa) Ford of Burlington, New Jersey; two daughters: Kelly L. (Kevin) Zepp of Denver, Colorado, and Maria G. Ford at home; and three grandchildren: Jackson Ford, Molly Ford and Micah Zepp.

As an adult, Judy served others as a registered nurse for 30 years and during that time took care of 24 foster babies in her home. She nursed one foster baby at a time, while also raising four children of her own. After her children were grown she went with her husband, Dick, to serve as missionaries in the Philippines. There, she applied her nursing knowledge as she helped in the upgrading of an orphanage that was in poor condition. Judy also mentored young Filipino women through sharing from the Bible.

Judy had a dream of making a home for disabled children in the Philippines, for families who lacked the resources to care for them. God blessed her with seeing that dream come true, when, in 2014, "The House of Love and Compassion" was opened there. He also blessed her later in life, allowing her to enjoy the country life once again, spending her retirement years in Morrisons Cove.

Memorial contributions in memory of Judy may be given to The House of Love and Compassion, c/o Central Missions Clearinghouse, P.O. Box 219228, Houston, TX 77218-9228.

Arrangements by John K. Bolger Funeral Home Inc., http://www.bolgerfuneralhome.com, Martinsburg.