Ferne Grace Smith Ellis

Ferne Grace Smith Ellis, the fourth of five children born to Henry and Mary Maude Smith, was born in Bayard, Iowa, on August 15, 1915, and died August 25, 2007 at Panora Nursing and Rehabilitation. She was 92 years and 10 days old. Ferne graduated from Bayard High School. She was united in marriage to Donald Dean Ellis on January 15, 1935. They were parents of two children: Barbara and Richard. Ferne kept busy helping others and always was willing to share her baked goods with neighbors. She was a very good cook and made fabulous pies and cakes. Ferne was a loving mother and grandmother and enjoyed her family with pride. Ferne enjoyed Bingo and going out to eat. She quilted and made many afghans. For over 50 years she enjoyed playing bridge with the B& C Bridge Club. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and a 50 year member of the American Legion Auxiliary. Ferne was preceded in death by her husband Donald Ellis; parents Henry and Mary Maud Harden Smith; two sisters: Ila Ott and Helen Wallace; brother Harold Ellis; and son-in-law Larry Fister. Ferne is survived by her daughter Barbara Fister of Jamaica; son Richard Ellis and wife Eileen of Panora; four grandchildren: Kimberly Fister Ash and husband Eric of Perry; Kevin Fister of Guthrie Center; Christopher Ellis of Waukee; and Renee Ellis Hall and husband James; two great-granddaughters: Brielle and Kynlie Hall of Omaha, NE; 2 great-granddaughters: Allison and Emily Ash of Perry; one brother Guy Smith and wife Lytrice of the Panora Nursing Home; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.