Mary B. Fern, age 84 of Elwood, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood following an extended illness and a very fulfilling life.  She was born October 10, 1933 in Kokomo, the daughter of Joseph M. and Grace I. (Cyphers) Shively.  Mary was a Licensed Practical Nurse at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital in Elwood for 33 years and retired in 1998.  She was a 1951 graduate of Wendell L. Willkie High School.  Mary married the love of her life, Charles E. Fern, on September 5, 1959, and they shared 50 years of marriage together until his passing in 2009.  She was a 50-year member of the St. Stephens Episcopal Church in Elwood where she formerly served as senior warden and clerk at the church.  Mary was a member of the 50-Plus Club, the "Mad Hatters" Red Hat Society, and Elwood Landon Guild.  She also formerly served as president of the "Mothers of Twins Club" and secretary of the Elwood Alumni Association.  Mary especially felt passionate in participating in Relay for Life after her battle with cancer.  In her retirement, she enjoyed serving as a volunteer at St. Vincent Mercy Hospital.  She was proud to have been the first Elwood board member on the Anderson Hospital Board.  Mary was an avid Colts football fan and also liked traveling.  She was honored to have been an Elwood "Samaritan Heart Award" recipient.  In recent years, Mary enjoyed staying connected with friends and family on Facebook; and she enjoyed having lunches and tea with her friends.  More than anything, Mary was devoted to her family, and she will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

Mary's family legacy includes 7 children, Rick Fern of Marion, Martha (husband Ron) Rominger of Alexandria, Pat Parker of New Castle, Beth (husband Rockie) Ebbert of Elwood, Kevin (wife Sandy) Fern of Elwood, Kirby (wife Doreenna) Fern of Elwood, and Trent Fern of Elwood; 13 grandchildren, Azure (husband Paul) Ashba, Michael (wife Michelle) Rominger, Brandy (husband Zach) Ponder, Shawn (wife Nicole) Parker, Shannon (husband Chad) Gibson, Grant Ebbert, Mason Ebbert, Christie Fern, Brittany Fern, Zach Fern, Wade (wife Amy) Kane, Hailey (husband Matt) Metz, and Kray Fern; 14 great-grandchildren, Alesha, Alanah, Eivan, Eli, Emily, Abby, Belle, Eli, Claire, Chloe, Kimberlee, Kenna, Maddie, and Harper; in-laws, Bill (wife Linda) Fern and Sue Fern; beloved cats, "Lilly & Pansy"; and grand-dog, "Max".  Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Charles E. Fern; brothers-in-law, Bob Fern and Willis Fern.

A funeral service celebrating Mary's life will be conducted at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 23, 2018 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home in Elwood with her granddaughter, Christie Fern, officiating.  Her service will start with a Nursing Honor Guard memorial.  Cremation will follow and burial will take place in the Elwood City Cemetery at a later date.  Visitation for family and friends will be held from 2 to 8 pm on Friday, June 22, 2018 at Copher-Fesler-May Funeral Home, and will include a St. Vincent Mercy Hospital Volunteer Memorial at 7:00 PM.  Memorial contributions are suggested to the Elwood Athletic Club, Elwood Landon Guild, or the Elwood Animal Shelter through the funeral home.  Online expressions of condolence may be made at copherfeslermay.com.