Betty J. Ferch

            Betty Jane Ferch, the daughter of Harold and Clara (Arnold) Ferch, was born July 3, 1928 in Elkhart, Indiana.  She died at Kanabec County Hospital in Mora, Minnesota on October 10, 2009, having reached the age of 81 years.             Betty married Loren Ferch on September 19, 1946.  During their early years together, while Loren was building houses, Betty was building their home.  A woman of faith, Betty wove into the lives of her children the values and principles of scripture while balancing a need for the understanding of God’s grace and love.  She was always faithful in praying for her children, and later her grandchildren, and great grandchildren.             Her family was of utmost importance to her and she often created needlepoint wall hangings for marriages or arrivals of new babies.  Her greeting cards to family members and friends for birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions were always signed “love and prayers”.             Betty is survived by her husband, Loren; her children:  Tom & Gayle Ferch of Maplewood, MN, Loren A. & Ann Ferch of Menahga, MN, and Jeanne & Lonnie Johnson of Pine City; son-in-law:  George Klippenes of Monticello, MN; 18 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Clara Bender, her daughter, Peggy Ann Klippenes, and her brother, Robert Bender.              Funeral services were at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at the Pine City Evangelical Free Church in Pine City with Pastor Loren A.Ferch officiating.  Music was by Pastor Darren Carlson, Tom Ferch, Loren A. Ferch, and Glenn Larsen.  Casket Bearers were Jon Klippenes, Nathan Johnson, Chris Ferch, Paul Johnson, Eric Ferch, Peter Johnson, Tim Ferch, and David Johnson.  Interment was at Hilltop Cemetery in Pine City