Obituary: Ray Ford Veech

Ray Ford Veech, 99, of DeLand, Florida, went to her Heavenly home on Dec. 13, 2024.

Ray was born on July 21, 1925, to F.M. and Berenice Ford in Manchester, Kentucky. As an infant, the family moved to DeLand. After graduating from DeLand High School, Ray attended the University of Kentucky, where she met the love of her life, Alex B. Veech Jr., affectionately known as Jack.

Following graduation from UK, they moved to the family dairy farm in Finchville, Kentucky, where their two children, Lex and Barbara, were born. In 1955, they moved off the farm to Louisville, Kentucky, to allow Jack to begin a new career.

In 1964, Ray, Jack and the children relocated to Winter Garden, Florida. Following the freezes, Ray and Jack made the decision to move to DeLand in 1985 for Jack to manage Ford Properties.

Ray was predeceased by her husband, parents and sisters, Emma Ford and Jean Ford Penrod.

Ray is survived by her children, Lex and Barbara Veech Werth (Martin); and grandchildren, Ali Veech, Robin Adams and Jay Belk. In addition, she is survived by her brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Sally Ford, as well as three generations of nieces and nephews.

Ray loved her family and friends dearly, was generous to her community and was a Southern lady who enjoyed hosting memorable gatherings.

The family wishes to thank the team of caregivers who lovingly supported Ray.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, First Presbyterian Church, 724 N Woodland Blvd., DeLand, Florida 32720.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to this church.