Our mother and grandmother, Amanda Maxine Cassetty, was proud to call herself a true “hillbilly.” Mom, Mamaw, Auntie Mac, or Sassy, was who we all knew her as. She lived and loved. She passed away on Tuesday, January 5, 2021.
Amanda was born on March 7, 1939 in Kokomo, IN to the late Osco and Naomi (Smith) Ford. Amanda was also preceded in death by her sister, Janet Johnson, and brother, Robert Creek. She is survived by her other brother, David (Becky) Ford Sr. (Kokomo, IN).
Amanda made some of the best fried chicken and macaroni salad. She grew up in Kokomo and attended Western High School before becoming a military wife and having four children. She loved Elvis! She loved sewing, and she was self-employed as a seamstress, altering and designing almost anything.
Amanda was proud of her family and of her work. She loved the Lord, and she had been a parishioner at The Vineyard Church (Grape Road) for several years. Most recently, she worked at Goodwill and was even employee of the month at 81 years young!
Amanda was stubborn all her life and fought until the end. She was planning to live forever, but Covid had other plans. We pray she is able to find peace and rest with the Lord.
Amanda joins many family members in Heaven and will be remembered by her children: Fern (Brian) Martin (Mishawaka, IN), George E. Jr. (Cynthia D.) Nielsen (Woodlawn, TN), Brinda Foster (Wheatland, WY), James E. Sr. (Monique) Nielsen (South Bend, IN). Grandchildren: Kimberly (Brian) Delcourt, Sarah Martin (deceased), Brian (Amanda) Martin, Ty (Tiffany) Martin; Susan K. (Michael R.) Drechsler, Niels D. (Mariesa R.) Nielsen; David Foster, Melissa Smith; James Nielsen Jr., Bradley Boller, Brittany (David) Loftus, and Nicholas (Amber) Nielsen. Amanda had 17 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. She has several nieces and nephews who reside in the Kokomo area.
There will be no services at this time. Palmer Funeral Home – River Park Chapel in South Bend is assisting the family with arrangements. Amanda’s ashes will be interred at a later date at Crown Point Cemetery in Kokomo.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hemophilia of Indiana, 6910 Shade-land Ave #140, Indianapolis, IN 46220; or Riley Hospital for Children, 705 Riley Hospital Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46202.
Online condolences for the family may be made at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.
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