Funeral services for Eileen Ford, 91, of Mobridge will be at 10:30 AM, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Cornerstone Community Church in Mobridge. Visitation will be from 4 – 6 PM, Monday, May 26, 2025, at Kesling Funeral Home with a prayer service at 6 PM. Burial will be at the 2:30 PM (MT), Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, South Dakota. Eileen peacefully passed on Friday, May 16, 2025, at the Walworth County Care Center.

Eileen Inez (Mayer) Ford Was born March 4, 1934 on the farmstead at Mound City, South Dakota, the first born to Theodore and Dorothy (Ackerman) Mayer. Her growing up years were spent on the farm, where she began her elementary education in a country school. Her parents sat her on a large horse named Polly, lunch box in hand, and she was on her way. Later as an adult she received her G.E.D., graduating with several others who had taken the class with her in May of 1986.

Friends introduced her to Albertus R. Ford from Herreid, South Dakota, who would on September 9, 1951, become her husband at the Congregational Church, in Selby, South Dakota. She and Al began their married life together as a farm couple in Campbell County.  After a period of time of farming they decided this wasn’t the best option for them, and by now three children had joined the family.  Albertus took a job with Coca Cola in Mobridge, South Dakota, where they would spend the rest of their lives raising their nine children in the love and admonition of the Lord.

Eileen accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at the age of 12 and served Him faithfully until He called her to her heavenly home on Friday May 16, 2025.  Eileen taught Sunday School for 30 years, helped with Bible School, sang in the church choir, served on the board of Christian Women’s Club until it dissolved. She was an active member at Cornerstone Community Church.

For many years Eileen was a stay-at-home mom, and homemaker, caring for her nine children, which was in itself a full time career; however she found time to attend her children’s activities, attend Bible Studies, do ceramics, and tend to a large garden, as well and to have coffee with friends. She was a great cook and baker.

One of her greatest joys was to host birthday parties for family, so her home became known as the party house.

As her family matured and left home, she decided to expand her horizons and work away from her home. She began as a cook at the Indian Bible College in 1978, later the Mobridge Care Center, then on to The Mobridge Hospital in the housekeeping department from 1979 to 1999. She became the Supervisor for several of those years, retiring from there to do janitor work alongside Al for several years.

In retirement and after Al passed in 2013, she enjoyed traveling to visit and spend time with children and grandchildren who ventured beyond our fair city. She loved all of her family fiercely!

Survivors who are grateful to have been blessed by her life, include her nine children, Mavis (Vern) Fritz, Nancy (Eugene) Brockel, Steve (Cindy) Ford, Bobbie (Dwight) Baumann, Lori (Dean) Carmichael, Todd Ford, Stephanie (Steve) Tolkenin, Kristi (Jayde) Schott, Theodore (Liz) Ford. 22 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren,1 due in October. 3 great-great grandchildren, 2 step grandchildren, 7 step great grandchildren, 2 step great-great grandchildren. 2 sisters, DeLila (Mike) Bezenek, Debra (Randy)Smith, several nieces and nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Albertus, her parents Theodore and Dorothy Mayer, grandsons Logan Schott, and Bradley Brockel.

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