Anita Louise Ford

Anita Louise Ford, Emporia, Kansas, died peacefully at her home, surrounded by family members, on November 5, 2025. She was 65 years old.

Anita was born on July 29, 1960, in Kansas City, Kansas, the daughter of Bernardo M. and Mary Louise (Luna) Ayala. She married Anthony Masters in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1982. They later divorced. Anita married James Patrick Ford in Emporia, Kansas, on February 2, 1992. He survives of the home.

Other survivors include her sons, Alec (Lauren) Ford, Emporia, Kansas; Sean (Michelle) Ford, Cottonwood Falls, Kansas; daughter Katy (Corey) Shull, Emporia, Kansas; brother Steve Ayala, Kansas City, Kansas; sisters Rita (Tim) Anderson, Kansas City, Kansas; Christine (Steve) May, Kansas City, Kansas; and six grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Jody, and grandson Grayson.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Didde Catholic Campus Center in honor of Anita, and sent in care of Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, P.O. Box 175, Emporia, Kansas, 66801.

Anita knew many people, having worked at the City of Emporia water department, being a school crossing guard, and at ESB Financial. She always greeted everyone with a warm smile, loved talking with others, genuinely getting to know someone, and known for being the sweetest woman. She had many roles, but her favorite was grandma or “Ita.” Anita loved her grandchildren and all her family dearly.

The Rosary will be recited Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. at Roberts-Blue-Barnett Funeral Home, 605 State Street, Emporia, Kansas, 66801. The family will receive friends after the Rosary for visitation at the funeral home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 10:00 A.M. at Didde Catholic Campus Center, 1415 Merchant Street, Emporia, Kansas, 66801. Interment will follow at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery.