Olive Aanstoos Ford

Olive Aanstoos Ford died September 12, 2013 from Alzheimer’s Disease at Brighter Living Assisted Living. She was born in May of 1919 in Colon, Republic of Panama to the late Theodore Arnold Aanstoos and Helen Gertrude Robinson Aanstoos. She is also preceded in death by her three brothers and sister. She graduated from New York University and Stroudsburg University.
Herbert M. (Buzz) Ford (deceased) was smitten by this Canal Zone beauty queen, USO entertainer and tennis player. He brought her to Hopewell as a new bride in 1946. There they raised three daughters, Jean Ford Blanton, Frances Ford Ware and Margaret (Peggy) Ford. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Olive was a founding patron of the James River Ball, a Past President of the Appomattox Garden Club. She and Buzz were charter members of the Jordan Point Country Club. In addition, she was a devout member of Saint James Catholic Church in Hopewell.
Olive once said that her favorite hobby was making friends and this she accomplished easily throughout her years. She treasured her life, her family and her community. The women of the bridge club, her golfing and tennis buddies, her traveling companions and that mischievous group, the Fuller Family, were especially dear to her. She enjoyed her garden and received great delight from creating beautiful flower arrangements. She loved to play with words, tell jokes and really appreciated laughter. Her affability and graciousness accompanied her to the end. Her later years were enriched by the friendship and support of a former son-in-law, Larry Johnson.
Olive loved all animals. The dogs brought to Brighter Living gave her immense joy. Should you be so inclined please consider donating to the Hopewell SPCA or to a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers. And please, laugh today in memory of her.
The family is very grateful to the dedicated staff at Brighter Living for the care and kindnesses afforded to Olive. The wonderful people there will always be remembered and appreciated.
We wish to thank Hospice of Virginia for the thoughtfulness and compassion given to our Mother and us during the last months of her life. Her family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 16, 2013 at St. James Catholic Church, 510 W. Poythress Street, Hopewell, Va. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 also at the church. Interment will follow in Appomattox Cemetery. Condolences may be registered at www.jtmorriss.com .