Mary Hester "Hess" Ford SMYRNA - Mary Hester "Hess" Ford of Smyrna, was received into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on Thursday May 20, 2010 and is now being rewarded for her good life on this earth by being reunited in the loving embrace of her husband Allen and family and friends who went before her. She was born on May 1, 1927 in Dover, Delaware to the late Gilbert and Ethel Downs. Hess was a member of Kenton United Methodist Church and also a devoted member of the church's UMW, and the V.F.W. Post #8801 Auxiliary. She retired after giving 41 years of service to Playtex, Dover, Delaware. Hess loved flower arranging, gardening and canning, cooking for her family, and reading. She was a devoted Bible reader, and avid Phillies fan, and enjoyed watching NASCAR. Left to cherish their loving memories are her sister, Laura Belle Davidson of Dover, Delaware; sister-in-law, Pat Downs of Middletown, Delaware and their families; brother-in-laws, Jack (John) and his wife Rose Ford of Kenton, and James Ford of Smyrna and their families; and the families of Warren and Joan Ford. Having been blessed by their mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother are Margie A. and her husband Rev. Leslie A. Ballinger of Laurens, South Carolina; Christopher S. and Brenda Joyce Ballinger and their children, Lauren and Olivia of Honea Path, South Carolina; Tamara A. and James Smith and their children, Seth and Shannon of Gray Court, South Carolina; Joyce A. and her husband William C. Webber of Clayton, Delaware; Dawn Michelle and Johnathan Edward Hartsock and their children, Tyler, Jarrett, and Mason of Clayton; Holly Lynn and Erik B. Foraker and their children Austin and Kaitlyn of Dover; Matthew C. and Bobbi Jo Webber and their son Nathaniel of Clayton; Wayne Ford and his wife Valerie of Smyrna; Daniel Wayne Ford of Smyrna and Jennifer and her daughter, Valeria of Puerto Rico; Adelaide Britania Ford and her son Gabriel Wesley Ford of Smyrna; Brandi Kathleen Ford of Smyrna. Also left with treasured memories are her church family and many loving friends who she always was proud to have and loved dearly. Hess was predeceased by her loving husband of 62 years, Edgar Allen; her brother Francis (Buddy) Downs; and brother-in-law, Warren and his wife Joan Ford. A viewing will be held Sunday May 23, 2010 from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Faries Funeral Chapel, 29 South Main Street Smyrna, Delaware with services directly following at 3 p.m. Interment will be Wednesday May 26, 2010 at 11 a.m. in the Delaware Veterans memorial Cemetery Bear, Delaware. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to Kenton United Methodist Church, PO Box 188 Kenton, Delaware 19955 or to V.F.W. Post #8801, 4941 Wheatleys Pond Road, Smyrna, Delaware 19977. Condolence letters may be sent by visiting www.fariesfuneralhome.com