Ava L. Ford, age 62, passed away Wednesday evening, September 23, 2009 surrounded by her family. She was born June 17, 1947 in Sarasota, Fl and moved to Arcadia in 1971 from there. Ava was of the Baptist Faith and a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Arcadia. Ava will be remembered by her family, friends and community as a very loving and caring person. She spent her life helping others less fortunate, working as a social worker for Desoto County. Ava did volunteer work with the American Red Cross, American Cancer Society and many other organizations that benefited the under privileged. She enjoyed camping, air boating and photography. However her happiest moments were the time she spent with her loving husband, Alton, sons and grandchildren. She is survived by her spouse, Alton Henry Ford of Arcadia, Fl., three sons Gerald O. (Heather) St. John, of Arcadia, Fl, Robert A. (Tammy) St. John of Myakka City, Fl and Thomas C. St. John of Arcadia, FL., one sister, Gilda Provo of Arcadia, Fl., seventeen grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents John J. & Nellie Anderson Fogarty. A visitation and gathering of family and friends will be Saturday, September 26, 2009 for 11:30 AM to 1:00PM at the chapel of Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home, 50 N. Hillsborough Ave., Arcadia. Funeral Services will follow the visitation at 1:00PM, Saturday, September 26, 2009. In lieu of flowers the family request donations in Ava s name to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 102454, Atlanta, GA. 30368-2454 Online condolences can be made at pongerkaysgrady.com Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.