Rita Ford

Rita Faye Ford died Sunday, March 16, 2025, at her home in Atlantic at the age of 82 years.

Rita was born on October 6, 1942, in Atlantic, the youngest of five children born to George Leo and Mabelle Fredericka (Andersen) Cavanaugh. She attended Atlantic High School.

On April 4, 1959, she was united in marriage to David Terence Ford at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Atlantic. Two children were born to this union, Dorinda and David. The couple enjoyed many happy years together, celebrating 25 years with a trip to Norway, Denmark and Sweden; 40 years were marked with the renewal of their wedding vows and then a cruise to Alaska.

Rita owned and operated the A-Ford-O Motel for over 40 years. In addition to her time spent at the motel she selflessly gave her time to many community activities, including Girl Scouts, 4-H, Cub Scouts and Meals on Wheels to name a few.

Her faith was very important to her, and this led her to being a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for 30 years where she taught Sunday School. She would later become a member of the Zion Lutheran Church.

Above all else Rita was a mom and grandmother. Two roles she took very seriously as her family was the most important thing in her life.

Left to cherish Rita’s memory are her children, Dorinda Duvall and husband Dave of Atlantic and David Ford and wife Ty of Boise, Idaho; grandchildren, Sam Ford and fiancé Esther Reynolds of Boise, Idaho and Chloe Anderson and husband Logan of Boise, Idaho; sister-in-law, Sharon Hudson of Syracuse, Nebraska and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Preceding Rita in death was her husband of 50 years, David; parents, George and Mabelle; father and mother-in-law, Clarence and Lillian Ford; siblings: Jim Cavanaugh, George Cavanaugh Jr., Edward Cavanaugh and Rosalie Cron; brothers and sisters-in-law: Joan Hermansen, Sharon and Bob Hudson and Everette and Evelyn Knutson.

Memorial Services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 21, 2025 at Zion Lutheran Church in Atlantic with Pastor Kyle McBee officiating.

The family will greet friends in the church fellowship hall following the service.

Private burial will be at the Brighton Township Cemetery near Marne.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for future designation and can be sent in care of Schmidt Family Funeral Home P.O. Box 523 Atlantic, Iowa 50022.

The Schmidt Family Funeral Home of Atlantic is caring for the Ford family at this time.