Loretta Joyce

Ford

Loretta Joyce Ford, affectionately known as "Rhett", was born in Mansfield, Ohio, on May 16, 1937, to the union of Herman and Lelia Glover. She was the 15th of 21 children. She entered into eternal rest on March 10, 2026, surrounded by her children and grandchildren at Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

Loretta attended Jesup W. Scott High School and received her GED and Associate's Degree from Stautzenberger College in 1997. Loretta married her forever love, Rollie E. Ford Sr., on July 1, 1955. To this union, eight children were born. Kelsey, Linda, Rollie Jr., Sam, Dennis, Denise, Deborah, and Arlene.

Loretta accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1971 and was a long-time member at New Life COGIC under the pastorate of Bishop Edward T. Cook. She was a faithful servant, working in Missions, serving on the Hospitality Team, working as an Usher, in the Kitchen Ministry, and in the Youth Ministry.

Always a caregiver for her family and friends, Loretta also worked outside the home as a Housekeeper at the Hillcrest Hotel while her children were young. Later, she worked as a Home Health Aide and Phlebotomist until her retirement in 2005.

Anyone who knew Loretta knew how much she loved her family, friends, and, of course, her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She loved to have fun, laugh, and host family functions where her signature dish was Turkey and Dressing.

Loretta was the neighborhood mom. She loved on and prayed for every child in every neighborhood she lived in. She kept a record of birthdays, phone numbers, and addresses in writing, not on a phone.

In her spare time, she would get out her list and start making calls. You could also find her shopping at her favorite store, The Dollar Tree, or watching Steve Harvey, The Price is Right, or her favorite basketball team, The Lakers.

Loretta was preceded in death by her parents and 18 of her siblings; as well as her beloved husband, Rollie (The President) Ford, Sr, son, Rollie Ford Jr., son in laws Ulysses Howard, Michael Bond, and Donald Saxon Sr. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Kelsey (Callie) Glover Sr., Linda Howard, Sam Ford, Dennis (Carla) Ford, Denise Ford Saxon, Deborah (Antwon) Johnson, and Arlene Ford Bond. Sister, Geraldine (Robert) Peacock, brother, Mose (Sharon) Glover, 23 grandchildren, 66 great-grandchildren, and 35 great-great-grandchildren. And a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.