Born: July 7, 1949

Died: May 16, 2013

Julia Sue Elrod, 63, of Niles, passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2013 at Lakeland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, of natural causes.

She was born July 7, 1949 in Arkansas to Graham M. and Virgie Ann Ford.  She worked as a trucking company dispatcher.

Preceding Julia in death are her parents and one sister, Ruby.

Surviving family include her husband, Gerald Elrod of Niles; sons, William (Stacy) Edwards of Niles and Mathew (Jennifer) Edwards of Niles; daughters, Angela Whitson and Jacqueline (Jose Martinez) Edwards, both of California; 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; brothers, John, Randy and William Ford; and sisters, Mary and Debbie.

Funeral services will be held at noon, Monday, May 20, 2013 in Hoven Funeral Home, Inc, of Buchanan, with visitation one hour before the service in the funeral home. Burial will take place in Silverbrook Cemetery in Niles.

Hoven Funeral Home, Inc. of Buchanan is handling arrangements for the family.  Online condolences can be sent to www.hovenfunerals.com