Viola "Vi" Ferns

Viola R.”Vi” Ferns, age 91 of Ottawa, Kansas, died Monday, June 21, 2010 at Ottawa Retirement Village in Ottawa, KS. She was born on Friday, October 11, 1918 in Richmond, KS the youngest daughter of Charles Richard and Gertrude (Strider) Wemmer. Vi grew up in the Franklin County area and moved to Colorado. They returned to Ottawa in 1944. Vi attended Pleasant Valley School in Franklin County, graduating from the 8th grade. She worked at Montgomery Ward in Ottawa about two years and then at Ransom Memorial Hospital in the office from 1954 until 1964. During Joe’s time at the Sheriff's office she prepared meals for the prisoners for ten years and served as matron for female prisoners. Vi was currently a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Eastern Star and White Shrine of Jerusalem and Beauceaunt; past member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5901 Auxiliary, serving as President, and Past Worthy Matron of Eastern Star. On November 3, 1935 Vi was united in marriage with Joseph William Joe Ferns at Ottawa, Ks. He preceded her in death on May 15, 2000. She is survived by her: Son- Louis E. Ferns of Vassar, KS; Daughter – Bonnie Lue Ferns; Daughter – JoEllen Hall and her husband J.B. of Ottawa; Niece – Hilda (Logan) Miller and her husband, Corky of Richmond, KS; Grandchildren – Linda, Tony, Lisa, Trudi and Hailey; fifteen -Great Grandchildren and many Nephews, Nieces & Cousins. She is preceded in death by her: Husband - Joseph “Joe” William Ferns; Sister – Verna Logan on April 13, 1988; Sister – Nellie Logan on November 9, 2002; Nephew – Leo Logan on December 20, 1989; Father – Charles Richard Wemmer and her Mother – Gertrude Wemmer. SERVICES: Services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary 2:00p.m. Thursday, June 24, 2010. INSTATE: Mrs. Ferns will lie in state after 2:00p.m. Wednesday at Dengel & Son Mortuary to service hour, where the family will meet with friends 1:00 – 2:00p.m. prior to the service. CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery in Ottawa, Ks. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Calvary Baptist Church c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary 235 S. Hickory in Ottawa, KS 66067.