Diana Jane Ford

Jane was the third child of Nettie and Ray Bell. She was born in a small town in Kansas to a postmaster who had served in World War I and an English teacher who also taught piano. Jane was a wonderful piano player. Jane’s sister Ann and brother Don were 10 and 8 years older than Jane and so she was raised much like an only child. She graduated from high school and went to The University of Kansas. While in school, she missed her boyfriend who was still in the small town farming with his father. Jane left school after her Freshman year and went home to marry Jack Ford. They got married in 1956 and welcomed their first daughter, Kristin Louise in 1957. Kathleen Ann arrived soon after in 1958 and the family moved to western Kansas (Finney County) to farm. Jane worked hard feeding the hired men and growing a beautiful vegetable garden. The family was completely isolated in the middle of a cattle pasture, 30 miles from any town. It was a peaceful, hard-working time, and Jane became the organist at the Methodist Church in nearby Kalvesta, Kansas. In 1960, a third daughter, Kara Lynn was born, followed in 1962 by another daughter, Kelly Jane. Life with four under five was difficult at times, especially in a two-bedroom farm home. Jane began commuting an hour and a half each day to work for a doctor in Garden City, Kansas. In 1969, the family relocated to Kalvesta, Kansas, where Jane began teaching music at the local grade school. She loved giving piano lessons and leading the school music programs. In 1972, the family moved again to Cimarron, Kansas. Jane had accepted a job at Trinity Hospital in Dodge City and was once again commuting. At the same time, she was getting her accreditation as a medical records technician (ART). Jane and Jack were divorced shortly after, and Jane began the job of raising four teenage girls. She was a good role model and taught her daughters by her strong example. She quickly rose through the ranks and became Director of Medical Records at the hospital in 1975. In 1978, Jane was contacted by the Kansas Hospital Association and relocated to Topeka, Kansas. Kristin had moved to Florida to begin her music caree, Kathy was in college at Wichita State, and Kara was beginning school at Dodge City Community College. Kelly had two more years of high school and was the only daughter to move with Jane. Jane served as a Director of Hospital Compliance at the Kansas Hospital Association until her retirement in 2000. After living in Topeka for 12 years, Jane met Russel Aulton. He wined and dined her, even sent flowers, and the rest is history. Theirs was truly a love story with neither of them knowing that Jane would face a devastating diagnosis of Alzheimer’s when she was 69. Russ quit his trucking job to become Jane’s caretaker. In December of 2015, Russ moved Jane to Valley, Nebraska, to be closer to her girls and their families. For the past six months, the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have been able to know Grandma Jane better and provide her with smiles and laughter. In return, she has taught us the love of family – that we come together and take care of each other. We will miss her greatly, but know she is at peace and whole again. Diana “Jane” Ford (nee Bell) died peacefully in Valley, Nebraska on June 10, 2016 at the age of 79. Jane is survived by her loving partner of 28 years, Russel Aulton, children, Kristin Ford, Lincoln, Nebraska; Kathleen (Steve) Broniecki, Elkhorn, Nebraska; Kara (Clay) Phillips, Sidney, Nebraska; Kelly (Bob Weyant) Baker, Yutan, Nebraska; nine grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Jane was born on October 15, 1936 in Isabel, Kansas to Delano and Nettie (Thompson) Bell. She worked as Director of Medical Records at Dodge City Hospital until 1978 when she moved to Topeka to work for the Kansas Hospital Association. Jane retired in 2000 and enjoyed her friends and family. In 2015, Jane and Russ relocated from Topeka, Kansas to Valley, Nebraska to be closer to her daughters and their families. The family celebrated Jane’s life at private services on June 14. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Alzheimer’s Association at http://www.alzfdn.org/Donation-Page/donate-to-find-a-cure-for-alzheimers-disease.html

Diana Jane Ford

October 15, 1936 - June 10, 2016