Brenda Jo (Ford) Cox

Brenda Jo (Ford) Cox, 70, of Catlin, IL, passed away Thursday, November 6, 2025, at her residence with her loving family by her side. She was born September 3, 1955, in Danville, IL, the 4th of 5 children of the beautiful Edna Lorraine (Lancaster) Ford and Robert Ford.

Brenda attended Bismark schools, elementary and high school, then ISU and Danville College school of nursing.  She met and married Kenneth Wayne Cox in 1989, and together had one daughter, Kristen Whitney Cox. Kristen had one son, Jace Wayne Hooks. Brenda worked as a nurse in many capacities for 41 ½ years before retiring in 2016. Her working career allowed many good friends and memories, but Brenda’s true happiness came from her family and her farm home. She loved her daughter and grandson passionately and also her “slice of Heaven” 10-acre farm where she lived over half her life. Brenda felt her life was a success according to Bessie Anderson Stanley's poem.

Brenda was preceded in death by her parents; and siblings, Robert L. Ford and Deanna Carol Ford Compton.

She is survived by her loving husband of 36 years, Kenneth Wayne Cox; daughter, Kristen Whitney Cox; grandson, Jace Wayne Hooks; older sister, Roberta J. Creek; and brother, Darrel Charles Ford.

Per her wishes, Brenda will be cremated at Rortvedt Funeral Services & Crematory in Tilton, IL and no services will be held. Kristen will take Brenda’s remains home to stay.

Brenda kindly asks that all that knew her think kindly of her memory and smile at her remembrance. 

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