Marie L. Ford

Marie “Mimi” Ford, 93, of Hobbs, New Mexico, passed away peacefully at home on March 25, 2025, a glorious day as she was welcomed into heaven by Jesus and reunited with Virgil “Poppy” Ford, the love of her life. Born in 1932 in Maud, Oklahoma, Marie grew up during hard times and married Virgil on February 25, 1948, both at the age of 16. Together, they built a life filled with hard work, determination, love, and family. In their early years, Marie and Virgil traveled Mississippi, Louisiana, Kansas, and Texas following his work before settling in Hobbs, NM, in 1956 to raise their daughters, Linda Lovelady and Kathy Whelpley, near Marie’s parents. In 1967, they founded Frontier Construction, with Marie managing the office and Virgil leading field operations until their retirement in 1997. Virgil passed away in December 2009, and Marie missed him deeply until her passing. Marie leaves behind a legacy of resilience, love, and faith. She is survived by one sister Carolyn Sue Barr (Jr Barr), her daughters, Linda Lovelady (Gaylon Lovelady) and Kathy Whelpley, Five grandchildren, Jason Lovelady (Christi), Adrianne Lovelady, Dadrianne White (Gary), Daisha Windham (Scott), Chelsea Gerwick (Sean), Fourteen great grandchildren, James, Piper, Jake, Alex, Stella, Cash, Saylor, Savannah, Carson, Morgan, Mason, Preston, Cutter, Canyon, close friends Jimmy Rae Gordon and Matthew and the many other lives she touched with her strength and kindness.