Julia Ella Ford, 96, of Bay City passed away June 16, 2021.  She was born March 4, 1925 in Valesco, TX to the late Leo J. Franzina and Sophie Kolatchney Franzina.

She worked as a PBX Operator during WWII and later at Matagorda General Hospital.  She also served as a substitute teacher.  She was an avid trail-rider.  Her favorite was the Salt Grass Trail Ride.  She also loved to deer hunt.  She was involved in many of the Matagorda Huebner cattle moves well into her 80's.  She loved going to her ranch and checking on her cattle and calves.

She was a life member of VFW Post 2438 Ladies Auxiliary, and a long-time member of St. Paul's Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas E. Ford, an infant daughter Mary Margaret Ford, a brother Norman Franzina and a granddaughter Rachel Ford.

Survivors include daughters Linda Mangold (Jim) and Nancy Fryberger (Lynn); sons Thomas "Tom" Ford, Jr. (Reba), Larry Ford and Gary Ford (Roxanne Schelp); brother Cecil Franzina (Patricia); grandchildren Thomas Joseph, Vic and Jason Mangold, Eddie Ford, Kristie Ford, Jana Townzen, Jessica Fry, Alli Aparicio, Logan Ford, Julia Fryberger, Jacob Fryberger and Henry Schelp; great grandchildren Bailey Schelp Nicole Schelp, Ashley. Ashton and Colton Mangold, Mekenzie, Wyatt and Ty Mangold, Mallorie, Chase, Clay, Kyle and Caleb Ford, Jake Townzen, Kambrie and Rhylin Fry, Aaron Fryberger, Katelyn, Aliayah and Kade Fryberger and great-great grandchildren Zaylynn and Rynleigh Fryberger and Amelia Garcia.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM Monday, June 21, 2021 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home.  Graveside services will be 2:00 PM Monday at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck with Rev. John Williams officiating.  Her sons and grandsons will serve as pallbearers.