Fern Arlene Shearer

Fern Arlene Shearer, daughter of Hugh Warford Bryant and Jessie Marie Ellsworth Bryant, was born on October 25, 1922 in Minburn, Iowa and died April 30, 2008 at Kavanagh House on 56th in Des Moines at the age of 85 Years, 5 Months, and 5 Days. Fern lived several places while growing up including Pine Bluffs, Nebraska, Wyoming, and eventually moved back to the Minburn, Bouton, and Perry areas. She attended school in Minburn, and after finishing, went to Iowa Beauty School to become a Beautician. Fern married Paul Shearer on July 23, 1939 and they were parents of David, Kenneth, Judy, and Barb. They lived in the Perry and Bouton areas. Fern taught Beauty School and owned Fern's Beauty Salon in Perry. She enjoyed playing the guitar and singing in Country Western bands. She was a member of the First Christian Church, where she was also a Deacon. Fern volunteered for Hospice and the Dallas County Conservation for 7 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, sons, David, and Kenneth, and brother, Ken Bryant. Fern is survived by her daughters, Judy Ellett (Gary) of Perry, and Barb Shearer of Prairie Village, KS; longtime friend, Carl McLuen of Perry; grandchildren, Scott Ellett (Staci) of Woodward, Stacie Sanborn of Perry, and James Van Dorn of Woodward; great-grandchildren, Anna Van Dorn, Jimmy Van Dorn, Dakota Ellett, and Colton Sanborn; brother, Bruce Bryant of Perry; sister, Carol Smith of Wichita, KS; several nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.