Geraldine “Geri” May Ford, age 76 of Reed City, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, January 3, 2025.

She was born October 1, 1948, in her grandmother’s home south of Mesick to C. Alfred and Julia (Ivancevic) Burkett.  As a child her family lived in several areas of Michigan, and then in Green Springs, OH before they settled in Cadillac in the late 1950’s.  Geri was a 1966 graduate of Cadillac High School.

In April of 1968 a young man named Roger walked into the Nazarene Church in Cadillac for a special meeting.  They struck up a conversation and he asked if he could see her again.  She consented, the attraction grew, and they were married on October 19, 1968.

They began their life together in Saginaw, but moved to Manton, and later to Cadillac before settling in Reed City.

She was active in the Charity Baptist Church of Paris, serving as both office secretary and as treasurer.

The family extends its gratitude to all those who cared and prayed for her.

Geri is survived by her husband Roger of 56 years; son Chris of Reed City, son Brad (Colleen) of Grand Rapids; sisters Shirley (Will) Shafer, Judy (Phil) Schafer; her brothers Rod (Sharon) Burkett of Holland, Stan Burkett of Lansing, Lonnie (Charlie Kempher) Burkett of Hersey; and many nieces and nephews (of whom she could name each one of their birthdays).  She was preceded in death by her parents C. Alfred and Julia Burkett; her brother Carl, both sets of grandparents; and her father and mother-in-law Lamont and Ruth Ford. 

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, January 18, 2025, at the Charity Baptist Church located at 20980 20 Mile Rd. in Paris, MI 49338.  Visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 A.M.  Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Charity Baptist Church Playground Fund.