Dateline: Alton

Natalie Janette Ford, 87, died at 5:52 p.m. Monday, November 13, 2017 at Jerseyville Manor in Jerseyville, IL. Born September 30, 1930 in Wood River, she was the daughter of Theodore R. and Myrtle L (Timmermeier) Hawk. Janette retired as a school teacher from the Bethalto School District in 1993 after 22 years of service. She married Mahlon Cecil Ford in 1962 in Alton. He preceded her in death December, 1985. Surviving are four children, Erik K. Smith of Wood River, Kara D. Huber of Bunker Hill, Dirk A. Ford of Alton, and Kurt B. Ford of Portland, OR. Also surviving are six grandchildren, Graig R. Smith, Brent T. Smith, Kelsey J. Lasswell, JD Huber Jr., Kyle W. Ford, and Cole S. Ford, three great grandchildren, Natalee L. Lasswell, Kimberlynn D. Lasswell, and Colt W. Smith, and one sister, Joan Thompson of Oklahoma City, OK. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, one in infancy and Jacqueline Grishop. Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, November 16, 2017 at Valhalla Memorial Park in Godfrey. Gent Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com