Photos by Jeff Laydon, Pagosa Photography.
More than 70 friends and community leaders gathered at the atrium in the Springs Resort Hotel on Friday, March 20, to celebrate the 80th birthday of Nancy Ford, a woman whose impact on Pagosa Springs has been felt far and wide.
Nancy moved to Pagosa Springs in May 2009 to be closer to her two sons and their families in Durango. It didn’t take long for her to become deeply involved in the community. Through her connection with dear friends Ron and Cindy Gustafson, she was introduced to the many opportunities to engage in local activities, quickly embracing the town’s spirit of connection and kindness.
Following the passing of Cindy Gustafson in December 2014, a ladies luncheon group originally formed in 2008 chose to continue meeting, with Nancy stepping into a leadership role. That group, now known as WHIPS — Women Helping in Pagosa Springs — continues to meet monthly and remains dedicated to supporting individuals and families in need, while also providing two annual scholarships to young women pursuing their education.
Nancy has played a key role in growing WHIPS from a small gathering into an organization of more than 40 members. Through her steady guidance, the group has become more than just a service organization — it is a close-knit network rooted in compassion, generosity, and a shared commitment to giving back.
Among their many efforts, WHIPS members collected 2,000 pounds of recyclable plastic, earning two benches from the TREX Company. Today, those benches sit in Tennyson Art Park in honor of Cindy Gustafson and Nancy Ford, serving as a lasting symbol of their dedication to the community.
The birthday celebration itself reflected the same spirit of generosity that Nancy has long inspired.
Special thanks were extended to Mary Cocke for providing the Springs Resort venue, Mary Tighe for organizing the event, Ron Lowe for an evening of music, Debbee Tucker for her songs, Jeff Layton for photography, and the many friends who contributed to making the evening memorable.
Reaching 80 marked a meaningful milestone for Nancy, who expressed gratitude not only for the years but for the community she has come to love. Surrounded by friends and neighbors, the evening stood as a testament to a life rooted in service, connection, and quiet leadership.
A special thank you to all who attended and made this 80th Birthday so special for Nancy.