Mary Margaret Ford, née Cowherd, passed away on March 31, 2026 at the age of 94. Born March 15, 1932, in Sedalia, Missouri, Mary lived a long, full life marked by strong opinions, deep loyalty, and a spirit that never quite learned how to sit quietly in the corner.

Mary was a dedicated educator for more than 30 years, spending most of her career teaching fifth grade at William Southern Elementary. She believed in doing things the right way and expected her students (and her family!) to rise to that standard. Her classroom was vibrant, organized, and full of personality, much like Mary herself. Each year, students could count on her reading Little House on the Prairie aloud, bringing the story to life in a way they never forgot. She didn’t just teach lessons, she set expectations, built character, and made sure her students knew she meant what she said.

She graduated from Smith Cotton High School and earned her bachelor’s degree from Central Missouri State College (now the University of Central Missouri). Teaching was her calling, and she approached it with both heart and backbone.

Mary had an eye for making spaces feel alive and a firm belief that things should look right. She loved decorating her classroom and later carried that same energy to the Appletree Condos, where she took it upon herself to decorate the front entryway month after month, making sure no season or holiday went unnoticed. She was an avid reader, a devoted cat lover, and someone who never hesitated to say exactly what she thought. A proud Democrat, she stayed engaged in the world around her, always ready with an opinion and rarely inclined to soften it.

Her friendships, especially with fellow teachers, were lasting and full of life. She kept in close touch with many of them over the years, and their spring break trips to Florida became the stuff of legend, long drives filled with candy, laughter, and stories that somehow got funnier every year.

Mary also had a gift for staying connected. She never missed an occasion, and if there was a card to be sent, she had already bought it, written it, and likely mailed it early. Her grandchildren could count on monthly cards during their college years, each one arriving with a note and a little cash tucked inside, a steady reminder that she was thinking of them and rooting for them.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Farrie Cowherd; her brothers, William (Bill) Cowherd, Harold (Pidy) Cowherd, and Jacque Cowherd (Pauline); and her sister, Marjorie Cowherd.

She is survived by her sister, Dorothy Berry (John, deceased) of Independence, Missouri, who for more than 25 years lived in the same condo building as Mary. They were as close as sisters can be, equal parts best friends and sparring partners, never short on conversation and never lacking an opinion.

Mary is also survived by her children, Murray Ford; Richard Ford (Lisa); and Barb Sheehan (Brendan). She leaves behind her grandchildren, Dana Pfister (Gary), Adam Ford (Debbie), Alex Ford (Mel), Kyle Ultican (Lucy), Daniel Sheehan, Katelyn Ford, Madison Ultican, Joseph Ford, Francis Sheehan, and Philip Sheehan, along with seven great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, and many well-loved nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Mary will be remembered as someone who loved deeply, spoke plainly, and showed up for her people again and again. She could be tough, she could be funny, and she was never boring. The world feels a little quieter without her in it, though those who knew her can probably still hear exactly what she’d have to say.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to either the City Union Mission or Wayside Waifs (two of her favorite causes) in Mary’s honor.