Fern Mae Earnest

Wednesday, October 11, 2017

Fern Mae Earnest, 92, Nevada, passed away on Monday, Oct. 9, at Freeman West Hospital in Joplin following a brief illness. Fern was born May 17, 1925, in Nevada, to Clarence Frances and Mae Caroline (Shade) Dee. She was united in marriage to Elson V. Earnest on April 1, 1945, in Ft. Scott and he preceded her in death on April 24, 2004.

Fern, one of 11 children, grew up in Nevada and graduated from Nevada High School Class of 1943. In addition to being a homemaker, Fern worked for Key Work Clothes, the Fram Corporation and at the Vernon County Clerk’s Office. For a time she also worked for the District III Area On Aging for Vernon County. She enjoyed gardening, spending time with her grandchildren, fishing and volunteered for the American Cancer Crusade for several years.

Survivors include two children, Sandra Jean Earnest, Ozark, Mo., Tom Earnest and his wife, Pam, Milo; three grandchildren, Justin Earnest and his wife, Kaila, Austin, Texas, Sara Parrack and her husband, Tyler, Nevada, Tyler Earnest and his wife, Stacey, Nevada; five great-grandsons, Cooper, Case, Carson, Thatcher and Stetson; one brother; and two sisters. In addition to her husband Elson, she was preceded in death by her parents, and seven siblings.

Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14, at Ferry Funeral Home with a graveside service following at 11:30 a.m. in Moore Cemetery in Nevada with Pastor Roger Beach officiating.

Memorials may be made in her memory to the American Heart Association in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.