Obituary of Marilyn Gayle Ford

Marilyn Gayle Ford, age 72, passed away at her home in Irmo, SC, surrounded by her family on Wednesday, May 2, 2018. She was born April 14, 1946 in Minneapolis, MN to Clint and Gayle (Rasmussen) Butts. After graduating from Southwest High School in Minneapolis, Marilyn attended St. Cloud State College for two years before meeting Ron Ford. The two were married June 30, 1967 and together had three children. They lived in Richfield, MN for 46 years. Marilyn began working Ark Products in 1979, eventually buying the business in 1988 and renaming it Character Plus. She loved the idea that her work was getting Scripture into the homes of people around the world and inspiring them to live up to the meaning of their names. While she enjoyed her work, her primary passions were related to her family and her home. People who met Marilyn were greeted with a warm smile, a listening ear, and generous hugs. She was amazing at providing meals for her loved ones and friends. Marilyn is survived by her beloved husband Ron; children, Corey (Kris) Ford of Savage, MN, Elisa (Robert) Lawson of Irmo, SC, and Eric (Jen) Ford of Chiang Mai Thailand, 10 grandchildren, brother Jim (Rachel) Butts of Durango, CO, nephew Jason Butts of San Diego CA, sister-in-law Marilyn J. Ford of Richfield, MN, loads of friends and heaps of cousins. Marilyn is preceded in death by her parents and her brother Bill Butts. An early summer memorial is being planned in Minneapolis MN. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Marilyn Ford, please visit our Tribute Store.