Barbara Peltier Ford 1943 - 2011 Barbara, surrounded by family and friends, passed away on Friday, March 11, 2011, in Bakersfield after a four year battle with cancer. She was born in San Mateo on January 4, 1943, but lived almost her whole life in Bakersfield. She graduated from Garces High School and Bakersfield College. She worked at the Post Office for almost 30 years, initially as a Distribution Clerk and then in a variety of Customer Service positions. She was instrumental in establishing the Letters from Santa program and was Secretary/Treasurer for the USPS Social and Recreation Committee. Barbara also was very active in their Union. After retiring, Barbara followed her avocation. For the last 15+ years she has been a devoted volunteer at The Guild House, serving as President, Head Cook and Produce Buyer. She prepared edible gifts for the Henrietta's label and taught monthly cooking classes. Catering and party planning were also a large part of her life. Barbara had a passion for travel in the U.S. and abroad. She spent a year living in India with her sister Betty and family. She was also an avid San Diego Chargers' fan and was a long time season ticket holder with her sister Beverly. Survivors include her son, Terry Wayne Ford and his wife, Tammy; and her grandsons, Justin, Joel and Joshua of Bakersfield. Also surviving are her sisters, Beverly Varga of Bakersfield, Betty Podol and husband, Dick of Reston, VA; and brother Tom of Cincinnati; her uncle, Del Lynch and wife, Arlie; plus many cherished nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and many aunts and uncles. Services will be held for Barbara Saturday at 10:00 a.m., March 19, 2011, at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 3700 River Blvd. The family wants to thank her wonderful friends at The Guild House, the staff of CBCC, Mercy Hospital and Hoffman Hospice for the wonderful care they gave her these last years. In lieu of flowers, the family would like donations to be made in Barbara's name to The Guild House, 1905 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Greenlawn Mortuary www.bakersfield.com/obits
Published in Bakersfield Californian on March 17, 2011