Bettye Ford Obituary

Bettye Louise (Brooks) Ford, age 85, of Shelby, Indiana, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2025, at Franciscan Health Lafayette.
She was born on September 7, 1940, in Paradise, Kentucky, the daughter of George and Nina (Harlen) Brooks. On April 28, 1956, she married her high school sweetheart, Ernest J. Ford. Together they shared more than 67 years of marriage, building a life rooted in love, family, and faith.
For 32 years, Bettye dedicated her career to serving as a bus driver for Tri-Creek School Corporation. She safely transported thousands of students to and from school, creating cherished memories and lasting friendships along the way. Her patience, warmth, and care left an indelible mark on generations of children and families in her community.
Bettye had a beautiful voice and joyfully shared her gift of song in her church choir. She also found great happiness in reading, birdwatching, caring for her pets, and nurturing all of God's creatures.
She is survived by her husband, Ernest; her six children: Stanley (Patti) Ford of Ashland, WI, Donna Cooper of Rensselaer, IN, Michael (Shirley) Ford of Vernon Hills, IL, Phillip (Roberta) Ford of East Chicago, IN, Jeffrey (Peggy) Ford of Camby, IN, and Gregory (Tracy) Ford of Wheatfield, IN; siblings: Mary (Gene) Richmond and Ovada Richmond, both of Russellville, KY, and Charlotte Roush of DeMotte, IN; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren.
Friends are invited to visit with the family on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. CT at Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer. A funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. CT with Pastor Phillip Ford officiating. Interment will be held at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Rensselaer.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bettye's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.