Fern A. Ferries of Ontario passed away Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017, at Tomah Memorial Hospital.
She was born July 21, 1926, in Ontario to John and Hazel (Pitkin) Hutchens. On June 23, 1945, Fern was united in marriage to Douglas “Tuffy” Ferries in Winona, Minn. She and her family grew together in Ontario.
Fern’s first love was for her family. She valued and appreciated her many friends. Her life was filled with the love of horseback riding, reading, gardening and quilting. After the passing of her husband, Tuffy, in 1986, Fern continued to run the oil business they had shared and personally cared for their horses. She was able to keep riding for many more years. Fern will be missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her daughters, Juanita Vitcenda, Bette Ferries, Nancy Powell, Lori Laufenburger and Cindy Ferries; her grandchildren, Craig (Teri) Vitcenda, Jim (Jacki) Vitcenda, Curt Vitcenda (Kara Martalock), Sarah Sonsalla (Justin Schwartz), Taylor Laufenburger, and Jason (Shasta) Powell and Matt Powell (Nicolle Granger); her great-grandchildren, Leah (Zach) Stegall, Kiley Wagner, Cole and Logan Schwartz, and Jonathan, Hannah, Gabrielle, Caitlin and Breanna Powell; her great-great-grandchildren, Camryn and Reese Stegall; one sister, Kathy (Larry) Fletcher; one sister-in-law, Betty Hutchens; two brothers-in-law, Don Jones and Merlin Vieth; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas; one son-in-law, Jim Powell; and three sisters and one brother, Ruby Jones, Maxine Vieth, Ruth Rynes and Larry “Pete” Hutchens.
Funeral services will be at 12 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Grace Community Church in Ontario. Pastor Bruce Milleman will officiate. Burial will be at a later date in the Hilltop Rest Cemetery in Ontario.
Relatives and friends are invited for visitation on Saturday at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of services.
The family has asked that memorials be given in memory of Fern to the Ontario Public Library and the Ontario First Responders.
The Torkelson Funeral Home will assist the family with arrangements. Online condolences are available at www.torkelsonfuneralhome.com.
