Betty Ford Tully
Betty Ford Tully, 95, a longtime area resident, passed away quietly on Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020, in Paddock Springs Healthcare, Warsaw.
Born on Oct. 21, 1924, in Wabash, she was the daughter of the late Noah Carrolton Morrison and the late Erba Rae (Beigh) Morrison. She graduated from Claypool High School and attended Manchester College and was married to Victor Dean Ford on Dec. 13, 1943. Together the pair would share more than 60 years before his 2003 passing.
Tully was a kind, giving person. She had a servant’s heart, and this showed in everything she undertook. She was active in the Salvation Army Auxiliary for many years and a member of the Red Hat Society. She was also a longtime member of Claypool United Methodist Church, was active in United Methodist Women and the Jolly Homemaker’s Club
Tully was rarely seen without a smile, but she could also be witty and loved to laugh. Time spent with family was precious to her and she loved cooking for them, hosting them at holidays and family gatherings. True to her helpful, caring ways, she was always sure that everyone ate before she would sit down. She liked to keep busy and always had things to do. Professionally, she was the secretary of Claypool School for 23 years.
Fondly remembered by many, Tully’s family includes son, Jim (Debra) Ford of Mansfield, Ohio; daughter, Julie (Stuart) Watkins of Claypool; and seven grandchildren: Lisa (Craig Charlton) Hay of Leesburg, Lori Method of Warsaw, Cassandra (Kyle) Newcomer of Cardington, Ohio, Cristen (Drew) Gilbert of Lexington, Ohio, Kyle (Elissa) Ford of Brooklyn, NY, Chase (Alex Pegg) Watkins of Greensboro, NC and Evan (Ally) Watkins of Warsaw. Also surviving are 8 great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren and two stepdaughters. She was preceded in passing by her first husband, Victor Dean Ford; second husband, Claude Tully; daughter, Vickie Rae (Ford) Shoemaker and brother, Robert Earl Morrison.
A Life Celebration is planned at Claypool United Methodist Church, 302 East Section Street, Claypool at 11 a.m., Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020. The doors will open for one hour prior. Friends may gather from 4-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, at Titus Funeral Home, 2000 East Sheridan Street, Warsaw. Burial will follow in Graceland Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be directed to Kosciusko Home Care and Hospice, P.O. Box 1196 Warsaw, IN 46581-1196 or to the Salvation Army.