MARJORIE "BOTONE" HAZEL FORD

Marjorie Ford was a proud descendant of both the Kiowa tribe and the Blackfeet tribe. She came from people who had strong faith and belief in God. They were praying people I have been told throughout my life, on both sides. My mother was a strong, determined woman, she could see how the world should be. It was easier to do something herself and have it done correctly rather than watch someone else stumble around through a task and get it wrong. She was a perfectionist, she was an artist that could draw, create a gourmet meal complete with a beautifully set table with flowers from her own garden. She was an art collector, we're still figuring out what to do with it all... Sissy, as her family knew her, was gorgeous and complicated, she loved midnight movies at Don Panchos on Central Ave. She loved hiking the Sandias and naming the wildflowers. She loved drawing the animals at the zoo, especially the giraffes. She took wine tasting classes, wildflower classes, Navajo weaving classes, she even built a loom. She was always interested in learning something new. When Charlie and I were small and living in Arizona she was a school bus driver and she was a seamstress who made beautiful dresses, skirts and coats for me. My parents loved camping and exploring the Sonoran Desert and all the ghost towns hidden out in the wilds... Mom grew up in the mountains of Mescalero. Grandpa Botone was a police officer for the BIA (Bureau of Indian Affairs) and was stationed there. She told us stories of riding horses in the mountains and working and harvesting in the community garden and orchard. When the family moved to Albuquerque mom went to high school at Highland High. She started dancing International Folk Dancing at the Unitarian Church where she met my father. They danced together raising us, until they danced away from each other. She was also the equivalent of a jeweler. She made gold teeth for the government at SIPI (Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute). She worked there until she retired. Aunt Bonnie, mom's little sister had this to say: I have mixed emotions because I'm going to really miss her, yet I'm happy her health struggles are over. She has been a great sister and an active part of my life since I was a little girl. I love her and will miss our time together. She was a strong woman with a tender, loving heart for her parents, her family, her nieces and nephews, in-laws and outlaws and us. We really love her and will carry many memories in our hearts. She always had a tender heart for her nephew Jeff Holm, who preceded her in death, he spoke often of his love for her, as she was always so supportive and kind to him throughout his life. I will always be grateful to her for her care and love of Jeff. Her life wasn't easy, but she never quit and did her best. Now it's time for a peaceful rest for her. Her son Charles Lonewolf Ford had this to share: I remember a happy time in my life when mom was coaching my soccer team when I was 8 or 9 years old. She would even play goalie. My mom was amazing like that. Her daughter Amanda Kershner had this to share: Mom always let me stay up late – as long as I beat her at Gin. I was a very good Gin player at a very young age... and a night owl. And her granddaughter Jada had this to say: I grew up knowing and living with my grandma. We always spent time together because we loved and cared for each other. When my mom took a trip to Mexico, she left me with grandma. I was too scared to sleep alone so she would let me sleep with her! The next day we would get ready to go to McDonald's. She would put on her bright pink lipstick and we would go. She has always loved, cared and supported me! Marjorie Hazel (Botone) Ford is preceded in death by her parents Delos Lonewolf Botone and Florence Kittson Botone, her sister Patricia Kaubin, her brother Fredric Botone and grandparents Matthew and Hazel Botone and Jerry and Mary Kittson. She is survived by her children Alison and husband Kenny Gonzales, her daughter Amanda Kershner and her son Charles Lonewolf Ford. Her grandchildren: Kyle Michael-Patrick Ryan, Anastassia Casandra Ryan, Kamani Garcia, Ashley Banister, Saraya Kershner and Jada Peterson. And her great grandchildren Lion and Kimberly. She is also survived by her sister Bonnie and husband David Holm of Colorado Springs, her brother's Robert and wife Debbie Botone of Hurst, TX and Barnie and wife Merle Botone of Bismarck, ND and several nephews and nieces who dearly loved her. Arrangements Entrusted to: Riverside Funeral Home 225 San Mateo Blvd. NE 505-764-9663