Ford Andersen
September 14, 1947 ~ November 18, 2024
Born in:
Cozad , Nebraska
Resided in:
Pueblo, Colorado
Celebration of Life:
Ford Andersen, 77, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2024. He was born on September 14, 1947 in Cozad, Nebraska to Marjorie and Henry Andersen. The family moved form Nebraska to Lamar, Colorado when he was young. Ford is survived by his wife, Rita Ellsworth; and his two nieces, Cassie Ocken and Stacey Helseth. He is preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Sue Ocken.
After graduating from Lamar High School, he attended Colorado State University to pursue his undergraduate degree, and then attended law school at the University of Colorado in Boulder. It was during this time that he became an avid Buffs and Denver Broncos fan. He practiced law in Lamar, Colo. until 1991, and then in Ordway, Colo. until his retirement. He was a member of the Colorado Bar Association.
From a young age, he excelled in all sports and continued into high school, especially in football and basketball. He was an avid reader, averaging one to two books per week. His favorite bands were The Beatles and Eagles, and he even wore a Beatles haircut at one time. He loved all the dogs he ever owned, especially his present dog, Jake.
A celebration of life will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 23, 2024, in the Montgomery & Steward Funeral Chapel.
Online condolences at www.MontgomerySteward.com.
Services
Celebration of Life: November 23, 2024 10:00 am
Montgomery & Steward Funeral Chapel
1317 N. Main Street
Pueblo, CO 81003
719-542-1552
http://www.montgomerysteward.com
I didn’t know Ford but my condolences to you Rita. Just trust in the lord through these hard times.
My condolences to you Rita. I loved that guy! I’m not sure if you contacted Mike in India, but I thought his response was lovely. I quote him here: “I will sit here quietly and remember my friend, a true friend. Honest to a fault and a true gentleman.”
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I met Ford in the early 70’s when we began playing town team bball in the area towns. Ford loved to compete and socialize after. I have many good memories of those days. Jim S. was part of the team as well. I am sorry I could not attend the services but wish to express my sincere condolences to Rita and the families. God Bless.
Douglas Tallman
Everyone knew Ford, one of the handsome athletes in the class of ‘65.
When I was working with my husband in his law practice, Ford would call to talk to Larry, but he always wanted to talk to me first to get the “scoop” on all of our classmates. 😎
Rita and the family are in our thoughts and prayers. Lea and Larry Stutler l
Ford was my best friend through Junior and Senior High. Our friendship continued through the college years: we hung out together when we home in the summers. Ford love competition, and there were countless games of “One on One”, HORSE, and whiffle ball in his back yard on warm summer nights. The routine in school was to call about 9:00 pm and go over the answers to algebra or trig homework. He truly was an excellent athlete. Senior year in basket ball, he was the second leading scorer in the state. After he ran back a kick off for a touchdown, the Lamar Daily News sports writer referred to him as “the bowlegged speedster.” He thought it was funny. After I moved to California, we did not see each other very often, but we did remain close enough that he was my Best Man in 1976.
RIP, Ford. I, too, will remember you.
I live in Ford’s old house! It’s a wonderful old place & accordingly, I have not changed a single thing! All the ghosts in this house are very friendly, I think Ford found it so, and the tradition continues.
My condolences to Rita Ellsworth, other family and friends.
Ted, I loved these stories. I grew up with Tom and Ford…your Tom stories sound just like him. So funny! Thanks for sharing. Lea (Clay) Stutler
My heart goes out to you for the loss of your Ford. May you find peace in your soul as you can in accepting he is now in a blessed place.
Much love,
Marty Schlink
Sorry to learn of this. Condolences to family. Another friend has notified class of ‘65.
Ford was my long-time boss and very close friend for many, many years. I’ll miss his calls to just chat and catch up. He was always there to support me in my tough times. He will definitely be remembered.
Very good friend and teammate in high school. Will be remember.