BRYAN, Texas — Born – March 31, 1925 and Passed – April 27, 2021 in Bryan, Texas following a brief illness. 

Fern married William B. Wood in 1948. They lived in numerous locations in Kansas including a 15 yr. residence in Liberal. They relocated to Pampa Texas in 1971 where Fern retired from C. R. Anthony Co. 

Fern was born and raised in Claflin, Kan. where she graduated from Claflin High School in 1942. She completed business college in Salina, Kan. the following year. She had various jobs while following Bill who transferred often with Halliburton, Co. Her employers include, KCKN Radio Station, Kansas City; The Red Cross at Great Bend Kansas Airbase; Santa Fe RR; Walnut Creek Milling; Taylors Music Co.; Reneau Jewelers; C. R. Anthony Co. (Ret.); and Dunlap’s in Pampa, Texas. Throughout her life Fern loved playing the piano and enjoyed all types of music. Fern was an avid bowler who also loved working with ceramics and stained glass. She also enjoyed volunteering at the Pampa Senior Citizens Center while serving and visiting with friends.

Fern was preceded in death by her parents, Glen A. Dowse and Nellie (Stumpff) Dowse of Claflin, Kan. Also preceding her in death was her husband of 71 yrs. William (Bill) Wood from Duncan, Okla. Fern is survived by her family which includes daughter Barbara (Wood) Dale and husband Owen as well as her son Randy Wood and wife Juanell; five grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and five great-great grandchildren. 

Graveside service will be 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 in the Claflin, Kan. Cemetery, with Pastor Diana Webster presiding. 

The family has requested that in lieu of flowers/gifts that donations be made to The Pampa Senior Citizens Center, 500 W. Francis Ave. Pampa, TX. 79065 or in care of Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home, PO Box 146, Hoisington, KS 67544.

Funeral arrangements provided by

Nicholson-Ricke Funeral Home 

P.O. Box 146 

Hoisington, KS 67544

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, May 2, 2021