Obituary of Fern Old

Coffeyville - Velma Fern Old, 92, of Coffeyville, passed away Friday morning (September 22, 2006) at her home. She was born March 22, 1914 in Woodson County, KS to Henry and Ellen (Randall) Old. She grew up in Woodson County where she began her education. She graduated from Chanute High School; she then attended the University of Kansas where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree. She later attended the University of Paris - Sorbonne where she received a PhD. She taught English, French, and Spanish, teaching at Wilmore, KS High School, Marshalltown, Iowa High School, Independence High School and Independence Junior College. In 1956 she moved to Coffeyville and taught at Coffeyville Junior College until retiring in 1979. She was a member of the Tyro United Methodist Church, American Association of University Women, Delta Kappa Gamma Society, Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, Daughters of the American Revolution Jane Dean Coffey Chapter, Retired School Personnel and the University of Kansas Alumni Association. Survivors include two nieces, Patricia Budny of Houston, TX, and Judith Getz of Lawrence, KS; and one nephew, James Caldwell of Chanute, KS. She was preceded in death by her parents and three sisters, Edna Thompson, Oma Caldwell and Lota Faurot. Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday (September 27, 2006) in the Yates Center Cemetery at Yates Center, KS with Reverend Dan Carr of the Tyro United Methodist Church officiating. Friends may call on Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the David W. Barnes Funeral Home in Coffeyville. Memorials are suggested to the Tyro United Methodist Church, contributions may be left with the funeral home or mailed c/o David W. Barnes Funeral Home, 306 North Cline Road, Coffeyville, KS 67337