1939-2026
June Rose (Rayl) Ford, 86, of Hutchinson, Kansas, passed away peacefully on March 31, 2026, surrounded by her family.
June was born July 31, 1939, in Hutchinson, Kansas, to Leo C. Rayl and Dollie Aileen Beaty. She attended Nickerson High School and worked for 34 years at Cessna/Eaton.
She was previously married to Charles Pitts. She later married the love of her life, James E. Ford, on August 25, 1980. They shared 33 years of marriage before his death in 2013.
June found happiness in working puzzles, crocheting blankets, and preparing meals that brought her family together. She treasured time spent with friends playing Bunco and Pokeno and always enjoyed a good shopping trip. Above all, her greatest joy was her grandchildren, whom she supported with unwavering love, faithfully cheering them on from the audience or sidelines. She will be deeply remembered for her generous heart, kindness, and her chocolate chip cookies.
She is survived by: her children, Wynona “Nonie” Gehring (Dwight) and Ricky Pitts (Dalaine); Step-daughter, Teresa Smith; Grandchildren, Jessica Self (Mike), Christopher Pitts (Kylie), Jennifer Boman (Levi), and Jeffery Gehring (Taylor); Great-Grandchildren, Kinley Pitts, Olivia Self, Lila Self, Tanner Pitts, Evelyn Self, Gunner Boman, Brynn Boman, Ryder Gehring and Oaklee Gehring; and sisters Jeannie Magill, Patty Barnes, Jessie Rayl and Diane Blick.
She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband; her young son, Christopher Eric Pitts; her brothers Gary Rayl, Gordon Rayl, and Clarence Floyd “Bud” Rayl; and her sister Donna Rothwell.
Celebration of Life service will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at Elliott Mortuary. Burial will follow at Eastside Cemetery. Visitation with family will be held Monday, April 6, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Elliott Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, June requested donations be made to the Hutchinson High School Athletic Department (to support the boys and girls Salthawk Soccer teams), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.
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