Ferne M. Sutton

FERNE MARIE (DOLLISON) SUTTON of Ogallala passed away on August 17, 2022.

She was born on July 8, 1929 in Julesburg Colorado, daughter of Melvin and Merle Dollison. She attended a rural, one room school through the 8th grade and graduated from Julesburg High School in 1947. She lived in Sterling, Colorado until 1949 when she moved to Ogallala. On August 12, 1950 she married Theodore Sutton in Grant, Nebraska. They were married for 55 years when Ted passed away in September, 2005. Ted and Ferne had three children, Terrence, Cynthia and Allyn.

She worked at Goodalls and then worked for the State Merit system for the State Welfare Department and then in the County Clerks office. After having her family, she worked for Bill Craig and C.C. Worden Agency for 35 years.

After Ferne's working years, she enjoyed volunteering and spending time at the Senior Center. She was on the Ogallala Housing Board and the Advisory board for over 20 years, volunteered at Indian Hills Manor for over 20 years and was secretary of the Ogallala Rendezvous for 10 years. She was active in the Women's Chamber of Commerce and served as president for two years. She was a 32 year RSVP member and received the Women of the Rose Award on April 25, 2018 for all her years of exemplary community service. In 2012, the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben foundation announced the 68th annual Good Neighbor Award recipients, which included Ferne. This award recognizes individuals from Nebraska and western Iowa who have performed neighbors acts and deeds unselfishly without personal gain.

She assisted the Sandhills District Health Department and Clinic taking blood pressure once a month as well as volunteering during elections, meals on wheels and driving neighbors where they needed to go. A famous quote from Mandy Hale states "There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others" and this was Ferne's belief. She loved helping others.

Survivors include: daughter, Cynthia Stevens of Pine Ridge, SD; son, Terry (Tammy) Sutton of Commerce City, CO, and daughter-in-law, Michele Sutton of Ogallala. Eight grandchildren: Tara Sutton, Alyse McEvoy, Quinn and Teeyl Sutton, Amber Watson, Ian Stevens, Evan and Kyle Sutton and many great-grandchildren.

Preceding Ferne in death: son, Allyn Sutton; son-in-law, Jerry Stevens; daughter, Beverly; husband, Ted; grandson, Isaac Stevens; parents, Melvin and Merle Dollison of Julesburg, CO; sisters, Rita Turner of Ft. Collins, CO, and Marguerite Caton of Jacksonville, FL, and sister-in-law Francis Anderson of Ogallala.

A memorial has been established in Ferne's memory to the Keith County Senior Center. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 29th, 2022 at 2:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church in Ogallala, with Pastor Curtis Magelky officiating. Inurnment will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.