Jill Elaine Ford

Jill Elaine Ford, 71, of Waterloo, died Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at MercyOne Waterloo
Medical Center. She was born March 20, 1954 in Cedar Falls, IA, daughter of James
and Rose (Parris) Pierce. Jill went to Orange Township Schools, graduating 1972 and
attending Iowa State University in 1972 and 1973.

She married John Marsau in 1974 and had William Marsau in 1977. They later divorced.
Jill then married Scott Ford in 1989 and welcomed Kelsey and Kyle Ford as
stepchildren. They later divorced. She worked at JC Penny in the clothing department,
was an independent beautician at Triple JJJ Farms, a life insurance agent for Farm
Bureau, a consultant for Edward Jones Investment Company and she also was a
consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics. Jill attended both the South Waterloo Church of the
Brethren and also Prairie Lakes Church in Cedar Falls, IA.

Jill was a part of several organizations, she served on the Black Hawk County Fair
Board, was on the Queen Committee, she was a 4-H leader for 25 years and was in the
Prairie Lakes Church women's group The Grove. Jill had many recognitions over the
years including Dress Review Winner in 1971 and attended the 4-H National Congress
(Washington DC) from Iowa in 1971 for Achievement. Jill was a two-sport athlete at
Iowa State University in 1972 and 1973 participating in swimming and on the tennis
team. In 2001, Jill was awarded an ISU letter as the University awarded letters to
female athletes who would have lettered prior to the University awarding letters to
female athletes. Jill was awarded the Award of the Silver Clover and the Award of the
Diamond Clover for her years of involvement with 4-H in Black Hawk County. Jill’s
favorite hobbies included Iowa State activities and the Iowa State Fair. Jill and Kelsey
were able to attend the Iowa State Fair on August 8th and the 12th this year. Jill had
been to the Iowa State Fair all 71 years of her life.

She is survived by: her son, Dr. William Marsau of Waterloo, IA; grandson, Matthew
Marsau; step-daughter, Kelsey Ford; step-son Kyle Ford; two sisters, Jayne (Grant)
Ferguson of New Sharon IA, and Jacque (Ralph) Hodson of Ackworth, IA.

Jill is preceded in death by her parents, James Pierce and Rose Ann Pierce.

Memorial Service will be 11:00 AM on Friday, August 29, 2025 at South Waterloo
Church of the Brethren, 6227 Kimball Ave., Waterloo, IA with inurnment in the Orange
Township Cemetery, Waterloo.
Visitation: 9:30 AM to 11:00 prior to the service at church.
Memorials may be directed to Black Hawk County 4H.