Kim Ford

Kim Balata Ford, age 49, passed away at her home in Colorado Springs, CO, as a result of a massive and unforeseen stroke on February 24, 2012.             Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 23, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Church of St. Patrick, Shieldsville (7525 Dodd Rd., Faribault, MN).              Arrangements are with the Parker Kohl Funeral Home & Crematory of Faribault.             Kim was the beloved wife and kindred spirit of Dr. Stephen M. Ford. They were married August 29, 1992 in Plymouth, Mich. During his residency year they lived in North Carolina, then moving to Cañon City, Col. for five years, and 13 years in the Springs area.             Kim started her education at the country school at Roberds Lake. In fourth grade she went to Jefferson Elementary and graduated from Faribault High School in 1981. She played softball for FSHS, was involved in student council, and was a cheerleader. She had many friends and enjoyed spending time with them. In 1984 she went to Michigan State University in Lansing, then went to Physical Therapy (PT) School at Wayne State in Detroit, graduating in 1998. She then worked in the Michigan area where she met her husband Steve.             Among the many talents Kim had she too was an accomplished cook. She spent a great deal of time with her Grandma Rie, who was a great mentor to all her grandchildren. Kim lived with her Grandma in 1981-82 while working and attending the Univ. of Minnesota.             Kim had a great love of family. She enjoyed the gatherings and fun times and brought that love into her own family where she was deeply involved in raising their three children, Jacob, Tess, and Katie. She was a class parent for each and did major fundraising for their schools.             She was an active hand maiden of the Lord. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Colorado Springs where she enjoyed serving in MOPS (Mothers of PreSchoolers) and Children's Ministries for many years. She was a Shepherd to many children teaching them about Jesus. She had the greatest love for the Lord and she went daily out in her community always helping others. She loved the outdoors and was a steward of what surrounded her. She enjoyed the beauty of it all and helped others to enjoy also. It was never about her, always others. She always put herself last, but it made her happy when she could do for others.             She has always had a great love for animals. Kim had 7 cats and a dog, surrounded by their love and affection daily. She would just smile and return their affection (10 fold).             The world was a better place because the Lord allowed Kim to dwell here for a short but fruitful time, loving and ministering to those around her. The memories of her warmth and love will reside forever in the hearts of family and friends.             Kim is survived by her beloved husband, Steve; their children, Jacob, Tess, and Katie; parents, Joe and Jan Balata; in-laws, Ed and Shirley Ford and families; brothers, Tony and Tom Balata; sister, Jennifer Ellis; niece and nephews; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.             She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ray and Marie Aube, and Joe and Helen Balata; and cousin, Ray Aube III.             We would like to thank our family and friends for their overwhelming prayers and support during this time. Pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to sustain us as we move forward in God's service.             In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Colorado Springs Down Syndrome Association or World Vision ( www.worldvision.org )