Eileen Ellen Truban Ford, 81, went to be with the Lord following an extended illness at her home in Morgantown on July 31, 2024, while holding the hand of her husband of 50 years.
Eileen, the youngest of five children, was born to Franklin “Frank” David and Loleta Edith Harsh Truban on July 5, 1943, in Arnettsville, W.Va.
Her family moved to Morgantown, and she attended The Little Red School, Morgantown Junior High School and University High School, where she graduated in 1961.
Following graduation, Eileen began working at the WVU Dental School as a secretary, first in pedodontics and later in orthodontics for Dr. William Merow.
Eileen’s gift of creativity, design and style was noted by many through her abilities as a seamstress. As she donned her latest fashions, she was often complimented for her clothing design and attention to detail. She was an excellent baker and cook and enjoyed sharing her tasty delights with family, friends, as well as neighbors and visitors.
She married Arthur “Art” Lee Ford on June 1, 1974, and moved to Springfield, Va., where they began a family with the birth of a daughter, Danielle Renee Ford and later a son, Ty Bradley Ford.
With the death of Eileen’s father, she longed to be closer to her family. Eileen and Art returned to Morgantown in 1978 to raise their children and establish her husband’s construction business.
Eileen was devoted to the needs of her family. She was a loving caregiver and companion to her mother. As a beloved wife, she supported her husband and his business through bookkeeping, administrative needs and selflessly preparing meals for him and his employees.
She dedicated her life to raising her children to love and serve the Lord with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. The most precious gift she ever gave her children, Danielle and Ty, was her deep love and dedication.
Eileen served her precious family while working part-time as an administrative assistant to orthodontist, Dr. John Dempsey. Eileen had many interests including gardening, creating beautiful flower arrangements, decorating her home, volunteering and spending time with her friends.
She was friendly and witty, never meeting a stranger and always made everyone feel welcome. To have been known by Eileen was to be loved by her. She made homemaking a thing of beauty and was a loyal friend. Throughout her life, Eileen took great joy in not only caring for her family, but also caring for animals, especially her dogs.
She was a longtime, loyal member of Spruce Street United Methodist Church, serving on many committees, singing in the choir and offering her gifts and talents to the Lord. Her faith was an integral part of her life and served as the foundation for her kindness and generosity.
She is survived by husband, Art; one daughter, Danielle and husband, Eric Eberhart, of Morgantown; one son, Ty; four grandchildren, Liam and Hudson Ford, of Fort Mill, S.C., and Jackson and Caraline Eberhart, of Morgantown; brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Kathy Truban, of Columbus, Ohio; sister and brother-in-law, Amelia and Tim Geary, of Corriganville, Md.; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and caregivers who shared their love for Eileen over the years.
Eileen is preceded in death by her parents; brother and sister-in-law, Ted and Susie Truban; sister and brother-in-law, Patti and Bud Wilt; an infant sister, Carole Truban; and two stillborn granddaughters, Jenna Claire and Natalie Suzannah Eberhart.
Eileen’s warmth and generosity will be sadly missed by all but remembered by many. May she go with God and be embraced in his loving arms until we meet again.
Family and friends will be received at Spruce Street United Methodist Church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 10, for visitation. A memorial service will follow with the he Rev. Bart Thompson officiating. Private graveside service will follow at Arnettsville Cemetery, Fairmont Road, Arnettsville at a later date.
Donations are welcome to Animal Friends, P.O. Box 1090, Dellslow, WV 26531, and Spruce Street United Methodist Church, 386 Spruce St., Morgantown, WV 26505.
Hastings Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.
Condolences:
www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
