Darlene Joyce Ford, beloved mother and wife, passed away on Nov. 3, 2019, at her home in Twisp surrounded by her loving family. Darlene was born in Southern California on Sept. 24, 1946, to Maxine and Dean Cork. As a young woman, Darlene worked at UCLA raising her only daughter Dawn as a single parent in Westwood Village. At UCLA she made many friends and met many “free-thinkers” during the late 1960’s and 1970s.
She was also an amazing mother, introducing her daughter to camping, skiing and backpacking. Darlene later earned her degree at Antioch College and worked in computer sales during the 1980s.
Darlene eventually met the love of her life, Elliot Ford, and they were married on Aug. 29, 1990. Shortly after their marriage, Darlene and Elliot moved to rural Massachusetts and bought a horse property where Darlene fulfilled her childhood dream of working with horses. While in Massachusetts Darlene learned to ride dressage, had her own horses and was active in the local horse community.
Her daughter, Dawn, moved to join Darlene and Elliot shortly after they’d arrived and lived with them while she attended college. Dawn eventually moved to Seattle to begin her career as a geologist and Darlene and Elliot eventually moved out west too. Darlene and Elliot lived in both Washington and Oregon before eventually settling in the Methow Valley about four years ago. Darlene enjoyed the people, trails, and unique beauty of the valley and the frequent visits from her daughter Dawn and her wife, Traisa, from Seattle. Darlene was a strong free-thinking spirit who was very much loved.
She leaves behind her husband, Elliot Ford, her daughter Dawn Chapel and her daughter-in-law Traisa Skarbo. In Darlene’s own words: “We meet in God and never part. God doesn’t rip things apart. Our whole world is not this material world. Everything is going to be fine, you’ll see.”
