10/30/2026
Deborah Darlene Yocum Ford, age 70, of Holden, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Though her passing leaves a deep sadness in the hearts of those who loved her, the memories she created, the laughter she shared, and the love she gave so freely will remain with her family forever.
Deborah was born on Sunday, February 5, 1956, in Saint Louis, Missouri, to the late Willard Yocum and Eileen Baumgartner Yocum. She grew up in Saint Louis and graduated from Normandy High School in 1974. Throughout her life, Deborah built a family and a home filled with love, laughter, and the everyday moments that often become our most treasured memories.
On April 7, 2012, Deborah married Patrick Joseph Ford in Branson, Missouri. Their marriage brought together two families, with Deborah's daughters, Sarah and Monica, and Patrick's son, Ryan, becoming part of one family. Together, they shared life's joys, created memories, and built a life centered around the people who meant the most to them.
Deborah was a woman of Christian faith who carried her beliefs in her heart and lived her life with a generous spirit. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a proud grandmother. Her family was her greatest blessing, and nothing brought her more happiness than knowing her loved ones were near. She had a special way of making the people around her feel cared for, and she was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone who needed one. Her kindness was not something she simply talked about; it was something she showed through the way she lived. Her family was the center of her world, and her love will continue to surround them in the years ahead.
Laughter was a big part of Deborah's life. She enjoyed finding happiness in the simple pleasures of each day. Whether she was sitting outside watching the birds visit the yard, enjoying the wildlife that wandered by, or tending to her garden, she appreciated the beauty of the world around her. She also enjoyed playing cards and dominoes, and her family knew she was a pretty tough competitor at the game table.
Her grandchildren, Luke, Titus, and Audrey, were among her greatest joys. Deborah treasured the time she spent with each of them and took pride in watching them grow.
Deborah also had a soft spot for animals and dearly loved her three dogs, who were special members of her family. Her caring nature extended beyond her own household, too. She once welcomed a foreign exchange student from France into her home for the school year, opening her doors and sharing American life and culture with her. It was another example of Deborah's willingness to make room in her life for others and to offer warmth, kindness, and a sense of belonging.
Deborah was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Willard and Eileen Yocum; her brother, Mike Yocum; and her sister, Lorretta Yocum.
Those left to cherish her memory include her loving husband, Patrick Joseph Ford; her daughters, Sarah Hargreaves and her husband, Schandrasekhar Ommi, of Overland Park, Kansas, and Monica Miller and her husband, Jake, of Warsaw, Missouri; her stepson, Ryan Ford of Overland Park, Kansas; her brothers, Kenny Yocum and Brian Yocum, both of Saint Louis, Missouri; her sister, Kimberly Yocum, of Saint Louis, Missouri; and her beloved grandchildren, Luke Miller, Titus Miller, and Audrey Miller. She also leaves behind her two cherished dogs and many other loved ones who will miss her dearly.
A memorial service celebrating Deborah's life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, 407 S. Pine Street, Holden, Missouri. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor Deborah's life, share memories, and celebrate the love she brought into the world.
Arrangements are entrusted to Campbell-Cast Funeral Home, a Stewart Family Company. Online condolences may be shared at www.castfuneralhome.com.