Born Mary Alice Hood on April 23, 1935, in Los Angeles, she graduated from South Pasadena High School in 1952, then got her bachelor's degree in education from Stanford University in 1956. After marrying William W. Ford, she and her family settled in Portland.

Later divorced, she was appointed in 1979 to the Oregon State Legislature and served Beaverton, Raleigh Hills and Garden Home for 16 years. She chaired many legislative committees where she was a strong advocate for the elderly and the physically challenged. In 1984, President Reagan appointed her to the U.S. ATBCB, regarding handicapped accessibility, of which she became chair in 1985.

The recipient of many community awards, Mary Alice was also a past president of the Washington County Public Affairs Forum, member of the Beaverton Area Chamber of Commerce and was active with St. Barnabas Episcopal Church.

Survivors include her daughter, Sherilyn D. Lawson; sons, Thomas T. Ford and John H.H. Ford; as well as three grandchildren. 

The Oregonian, December 14, 2008