Fern Alice Harper Wolney died at her home west of Hiawatha, Kansas, on October 25, 2015, having come there as a bride 75 years ago.

She was born on June 9, 1920 in Kansas City, Missiouri. Fern was preceded in death by her husband, John Francis Wolney and parents, James Elsworth Harper and Nellie Kendall Harper. She is survived by a daughter, Judith Wegener- Stevens and husband Alan, a son, Jim Wolney and wife Denise, grandchildren Todd and Chris Wegener, Tess Wolney and a niece Laura Huff Wegener, plus a myriad of friends.

First attending Prairie Springs School east of Hiawatha, she transferred to the Hiawatha Schools when the family moved to town. Fern graduated from Hiawatha High School with the class of 1938. Many interests in life kept her in contact with people as she never knew a stranger. Fern was very active in her church, the First United Methodist Church of Hiawatha and at the time of her death she had the longest membership, 91 years. She was a charter member of the Wesleyan Service Guild, and participated in United Methodist Women. In the early years, her daughter remembers the pulled pork she always prepared for the annual church dinner. Fern became a Red Cross Instructor and was very active in Extension. She was a leader in the W-Hia Unit, became president of the Brown County Extension Council and served in a State office for Extension. Always loving music, Fern took vocal lessons in midlife and sang solos at church. A member of the Traveling Teepees, Fern and John spent many a weekend with the camping group. She and John traveled every summer – in the beginning years Colorado was the destination, but later most of the U.S. and beyond. With John’s 35mm slides in hand, she gave many travel log programs. Being the adventurer, Fern also traveled alone to California, Canada, Hawaii and Europe. In California, she appeared on the Art Linkletter show as her question was picked from the audience. Now there was a celebrity in the family! Serving on the Brown County Republican Committee, Fern was always interested in politics and kept up with the news worldwide. An avid reader, she shunned fiction as she always wanted to learn more. A member of the Book Club at the library, Fern looked forward to the monthly discussion of the chosen book.

Buying a home in Ouray, Colorado enabled Fern and John to spend summers in an idyllic setting enjoying their beloved mountains. Another whole community of people was added to Fern’s friends. Entertaining was high on Fern’s priorities. Her cooking was surpassed by no one. Anytime someone walked into her home, her first question was, “What can I fix you to eat?” Always supportive of her children and grandchildren, Jim remembers the many hours and days both Fern and John spent painting his election signs.

Fern was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She passed on to her children and grandchildren the Christian values that characterized her faith by her words and her deeds. If anyone needed help, Fern was immediately at their side.

Remaining in her own home was very important to Fern, and the family is deeply indebted to all of the women who have made that possible for the last eight years. Suggestions for memorials are First United Methodist Church, the Brown County Genealogy Society, or Maple Heights Nursing Home.

Funeral Services are planned for 2 PM Monday, November 2, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church in Hiawatha. Private family graveside services will be held prior to services Monday. Reverend Randy Quinn and Reverend Shane Spangler will officiate.

Friends may call the Chapel Oaks Funeral Home after 12 noon Sunday, November 1, 2015.  No family visitation will be held.

A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com