Fern Iris Hall Leewright was born July 9, 1933, in Lawrence, Kan. She died April 29, 2020, in the loving arms of her husband, Earl Leewright.
She was the 11th child born to Rev. W.E. and Lela Elizabeth Hall. Fern married Earl L Leewright on June 24, 1953, and they were happily married for almost 67 years. Together they had four daughters; Lynette Pardue, Sherry Ekstrom, Teresa Shepherd and Renita Landers. Fern gave her heart to the Lord when she was a young girl.
Fern is preceded in death by her 10 siblings and her granddaughter Sarah’s husband, Scott Shellenberger. Fern is the proud grandmother to 13 and great-grandmother to 16. She is survived by her four daughters and their husbands, Keith Pardue, Phil Ekstrom, Steve Shepherd and Jim Landers; 13 grandchildren, Stephanie Classen, Sarah Shellenberger, Stevie Shepherd, Carolyn Skogman, Jon Ekstrom, Danny Shepherd, Keith Earl Pardue, Jessie Fern Shepherd, Josh Landers, Emily Ladd, Audrey Landers, Mandy Landers, Allison Pardue. She is survived by 16 great-grandchildren: Blake, Damien, Everett, Samuel, Joshua, Isaac, Libby, Iris, Nolan, Eli, June, Logan, Jasper, Cale, Micah and Hunter.
Fern graduated from the University of Central Missouri with a degree in elementary education after her children were born. She received a Master’s degree in Education from UMKC. She taught school for 21 years. She enjoyed teaching Vacation Bible School, singing in the church choir and canning vegetables from Earl’s garden. After retiring from teaching, Fern enjoyed traveling, entertaining, reading, making cakes, playing Rook and walking.
Fern was a member of the Carthage Church of the Nazarene, the Scott-Knox missionary chapter, the Missouri Retired Teachers Association, and the church choir.
Fern will be remembered for her love for God, for His Church, for her family and many friends.
The family wants to thank the staff at Medicalodges Pittsburg for their tender, loving care of our Mother for the past 5 years. A celebration of life will take place when it is safer for us to gather together. Services are under the direction of Ulmer Funeral Home.
