Patricia L. “Pat” Ford, age 79, of West Plains, passed away October 15, 2026. She was born October 4, 1947, in West Plains, Missouri, the daughter of Hubert and Fern Easley.
Pat was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She graduated from West Plains High School in 1965. After graduating from high school, she moved to St. Louis for work but soon returned to West Plains and took a job working at Walmart in 1969. She retired from Walmart and later retired from West Plains Bank and Trust Company.
Pat loved to travel and cherished the many trips she shared with family and friends. Her family fondly recalls hundreds of happy memories made during vacations at the beach and the mountains, where her laughter and time with the kids was often the highlight of the trip. She also enjoyed traveling with friends from her years at West Plains Bank and Trust. Pat was happiest near the water, surrounded by her family, with a good book in hand. She spent much of her free time at the lake with her sister and family or at Cloud 9 Ranch with her son and daughter-in-law.
She is survived by her son, Derrick Blackburn and wife Kris, two granddaughters – Kayla Kelley and Emily Wood, four great-grandchildren – Jaden, Zyrus, Alora, and Aniya, her sister and best friend, Barbara Peterson, niece Angie Garner and husband Jimmy, nephew Jason Peterson and wife Rachel, great nieces and nephews – Brady Sharp and husband James, Ashton Garner and partner Dennis, Ethan Garner and wife Heather, Lawson Peterson and wife Haylie, great-great nieces and nephews, Norah, Brooks, Laynie, Walker, Slater, and many dear friends, including Kenny and Judy Hanshaw and Ronnie Ford. She is preceded in death by her parents, Hubert and Fern Easley, and brother-in-law, Danny Peterson. Pat attended United Freewill Baptist Church in West Plains, Missouri.
A private memorial service will be held later. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Freewill Baptist Church building fund or Ozarks Healthcare Cancer Treatment Center Patient Fund and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 W. Main St., West Plains, MO 65775.
