Gail Ann Ford, 76, of Evans, Colorado, passed away on April 13, 2026. She was born on March 12, 1950, in Greeley, Colorado to Lloyd and Helen (Overman) Roberts. Gail built a life rooted in creativity, community, and, above all, deep love for her family.

She grew up in Evans and graduated from Greeley West High School in 1968. She attended the University of Northern Colorado on a National 4-H Scholarship, graduating with a Fine Arts degree in 1972. On March 16, 1974, she married Larry Ford, her partner of 52 years. Together, they built a life full of laughter, resilience, and unwavering commitment, raising their children, Larissa and Brett.

From a young age, Gail’s creativity set her apart. Growing up, she earned numerous 4-H awards across Creative Arts, including visual and fiber arts. With her mother, Helen, she co-founded a craft business, The Velvet Mushroom, as a teenager; an early reflection of the entrepreneurial spirit that would define her life. After college, she worked as an interior decorator for Sherwin Williams. In 1985, she opened and operated her own dancewear and custom costume business, Gail’s Originals, where her sewing and design talents flourished. A few years later she expanded her business, adding Active Images, a screen-printing and transfer business. Gail could create just about anything—painting, ceramics, stained glass, sewing, quilting, embroidery, candle making, glass etching, and more. Later in her life, she continued to evolve her business ventures by creating StitchDown, an e-commerce business selling quilting squares and football referee accessories. Her hands were rarely still, and her imagination knew no limits. There was truly nothing she couldn’t create once she set her mind to it.

Gail’s love for the Evans community was just as strong. She served in many capacities, including the Evans Chamber of Commerce, the Evans Flood Recovery Task Force, and on the Evans Historic Redevelopment Committee, always showing up with dedication, opinions, and a willingness to do the hard work. She cared deeply about her community and the world around her, never shying away from standing up for what she believed in.

Above all, Gail was devoted to her family. She loved fiercely, gave generously, and created a home filled with warmth and belonging. Her legacy lives on not only in the many things she created, but in the lives she shaped and the love she shared.

She is survived by her husband, Larry; her children, Larissa (Doug Farrow) and Brett (Mallory Jordan); and her beloved grandchildren, Elle (7) and Mila (4), whom she adored beyond measure. “Grandma Gann” found immense joy in sharing her love of arts and crafts with her grandchildren, passing down her creativity and nurturing their imagination; gifts that will continue to grow throughout their lives. Her spirit, a brilliant fusion of intelligence, warmth, and ingenuity, will continue to shine brightly in her children and grandchildren.

She is also survived by her brother, Lowell “Buzz” (Pam) Roberts; her cousins, Anita (Jim) Decker, Lynne (Mark) Smith, Vickie (Gale) Larchick, and Richard (Helen) Peterson; and her nephews and nieces, Matthew Roberts, Janet Hackett, Donald Beaver, Dave Ford, Mike Ford, Dionne Neuschwanger, and Melanie Shindelbower.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters-in-law, Betty Lue (Lowell) Tarrant and Audrey (Donald) Beaver; brother-in-law, Willis (Melva Jean) Ford; cousin, Rockie (Treva) Peterson; nephews, Kerry and Ronald Beaver, and Adam Roberts; and niece, Brenda Loos.

Join us in celebrating Gail on Sunday, May 3rd from 2:00–4:00 p.m. at the Riverside Library and Cultural Center, 3700 Golden Street, Evans, CO 80620. In lieu of flowers or gifts, please donate to the UNC Cancer Rehabilitation Institute Endowment (970-351-2034) or www.unco.edu/foundation.