FORD, Billie (nee Ulmer)
Billie (nee: Ulmer) Ford 97, long time resident of Grande Prairie, passed away on December 16th, 2009. Billie is survived by her brother, Harold Ulmer, sister, Edna (Ian) Renee, daughters, Bev Dunne, Charlene (Eric) Pettit, Wanda (Wayne) Johnson, and Karen (Brian) Coogan, son, Dwight (Marilyn) Ford and son-in-law, Merle Baird. She also leaves 16 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces to remember her. Billie was predeceased by her husband, Charlie Ford, brothers, Victor and Roy, sisters, Verna and Violet, daughters, Wendy Ford and Marilyn Baird, son, Mervyn, son-in-law, Bill Dunne and granddaughter, Cheryl Dunne. On December 11, 1912, Billie was born in Castor, Alberta to William and Ida Ulmer. After attending Normal School in Camrose, she began her teaching career in 1936, which eventually brought Billie to Bezanson, where she met and married Charlie Ford in 1938. Her passion was music and many Christmas concerts and music festivals were organized under her care during her career at Montrose, Bezanson School and Harry Balfour. Many fond family memories include the piano and singing and Billie was an active member of The Sweet Adelines for many years. Billie led an active life traveling throughout Canada, the United States and Germany. She was also a long time participant of "The Swimming Ladies" at The Club.
Billie will be sadly missed and fondly remembered for her zest for life, compassion for her family and friends, her true bass, and sense of humour.
A celebration of Billie's life will be held at Oliver's Funeral Chapel on December 29, 2009 at 11:00 AM. If friends desire, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer's Society of Alberta.