Fern Ellen Schillreff, age 95, of Jordan passed away on May 18, 2015 at St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings.
Fern was born in Glasgow, Montana August 11, 1919 to William and Icamay (Rogers) Nelson. She joined a sister Lura. Fern got her elementary education at the Lismas School and graduated from Garfield Co High School second in her class in 1938. She then attended Eastern Montana Normal School in Billings where she received her Life Certificate for teaching Elementary Education. She taught schools in Carbon County and Garfield County for 17 years finishing her career as County Superintendent for 20 years.
On July 18, 1942 Fern married Raymond J. Schillreff upon his return from serving in Guam for 3 years during WWII. They made their home on her parent’s ranch on Frazier Creek north of Jordan.
She was a member of the Jordan Seventh Day Adventist Church since 1937, the Garfield Co Historical Society, and the VFW Auxiliary where she helped serve meals up until the time of her death.
Fern was a historian and captured the local history in the 2 sets of books that she co-authored with her friend Jessie Shawver. She also did a lot of research for many other history books written by the County Historical Society. You could ask her about anything or any body and she could tell you everything you needed to know, and more. Fern and Jessie were instrumental in getting the old school house moved to the museum and gathering things to furnish it. She enjoyed reading, her flowers, and visiting with people. She knew everybody where ever she went and they knew her.
Although Fern did not have children she always claimed and treated Lura’s as hers. She looked forward to their visits and always kept track of their activities.
She was preceded in death by her parents William and Icamay, her husband Raymond, her sister Lura, and brother in law Arthur Turner. She is survived by her Nephews Lynn (Lorrie), Darryl (Sonja), Lee (Carey), Dee (Marlene) Turner, Alvin (Marlene) Schillreff, Niece Karen Turner, and numerous other nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Garfield Co. Historical Society.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, May 21, 2015 from 2-6 p.m. at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Jordan. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, May 22, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the V.F.W. Hall in Jordan. Interment will follow at 3:30 p.m. in the Mountview Cemetery in Billings. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Jordan is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences to the family may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday May 21, 2015
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
Jordan, MT
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Tim and Cheri Hafla says
Our deepest sympathy to all of Ferns Family, she was a wonderful person. I remember fondly all the times her and Ray were with Mom and Daddy . She was like family to us.
John & Jenny Frady says
we are so sorry for your lost, we will miss her . you are in are prayer
Phil and Darlene Shawver says
Condolences and Prayers for all of Ferns Family She will be Greatly missed by many Our Family will always remember the many fishing trips we had with Ray and Fern and the wonderful friendship She and Jessie had . We will always remember her as Grammi Fern . She was a fine friend , always looking out for everyone else. May you find comfort in all of your fond Memories and in Gods Love.
Kristin Bieber says
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I waitressed for several years at the restaurant in Jordan and I can honestly admit seeing Fern and Jessie was a highlight of any shift. No matter how bad my day was going, Fern could make it better. At least make it seem more amusing. I will miss seeing her when I go back to Jordan now. Our prayers are with you.
Meredith Saylor says
Rest in peace Fern, you were a remarkable Lady. Even if you did give me a big red F for cheating on my spelling test in second grade, I never tried that again. I will miss you.
Jack and Sharon Hedstrom says
Prayers and best wishes to Fern and Family. She was pretty special and best friends with Esther Hedstrom. We havemany special memories of Fern and a Esther that we’ll treasure forever.
Karen Witt says
My Deepest Sympathy to Fern’s Family. She was a great lady and I always enjoy my visit with her. She will very much missed in Garfield County.
Glen and Teena Bollinger says
We have lost alot of history of Garfield County. Any questions, Fern usually knew the answer. I remembet when my mom passed away I took her down a bunch of pictures of class reunions they had down through the years. She was thrilled and knew the name of every person in the pictures. What sharp mind. Our deepset sympathy to Fern’s family.
Glen and Teena Bollinger
Allen and Karen Barnes says
Our sympathy to each and all of you on the loss of Fern. She was such a large part of her family and of the community she was such an active member of. She will be missed by all who knew her. May all your good memories be a comfort to you at this time. God Bless
Mike and Debbie Stocker says
To all of Fern’s family, we were so sorry to hear of her passing. My God wrap his loving arms around you and bring you strength and peace during this difficult time. Fern lived her life to the fullest and never knew a stranger. Fern was a part of our family too. RIP dear lady until we all meet again. Thanks for leaving us with such wonderful memories!
Connie Blonigen says
My heartfelt condolences to Fern’s family. When I moved to Jordan, back in the early 80’s, Fern was one of the first people I met. I rented a house from her and that’s how our friendship started. In visiting with Fern, we discovered that she had taught my great uncle in school. Even after moving from Jordan, when I saw her during visits she always made a point of talking with me to make sure all was going well. She will be missed.
Cindy Stanton & family says
Our condolences to Fern’s family and friends. What a wonderful lady. She always seemed concerned about everyone and all the kids. She had a wonderful heart and a great sense of humor. I hate losing another great fixture of Jordan. RIP Fern. You made a difference in so many lives and you will be missed.
Deb Thomas says
Rest in peace, Fern. You will be greatly missed by a lot of people, but Ray has been waiting for you for a long time. Enjoy your happy reunion.
Gloria and DJ Milroy says
Our deepest sympathy to all of Fern’s family. May she now rest in peace and may your memories of time spent with her be of a comfort to each of you. Fern touched so many lives in a variety of ways and she will be remembered and missed by many. May the Lord bless and walk with each of you, as you celebrate her life and also in your difficult moments.
Brenda Brockett says
I was saddened to learn of Fern’s passing; my condolences to her family. She and Ray were ranching neighbors of my parents for many years. She was also one of Mom’s oldest and closest friends. Garfield County will miss her and so will I. Jordan won’t be the same without her.
Marie Eldridge says
all the good times we had when we visited from michigan
Evelyn Abrams Neary says
Fern and my mother were friends for many many years. Fern and Mom stayed in contact all their lives until Mom died a couple of years ago. My sisters and I also brought Mom to Fern’s auction in Roundup and they had a grand time that day. It is a nice memory for me. My sincerest sympathies in your loss.
Joyce Wallace says
I was sad to read about Fern’s passing. She was a large part of so many of my memories of growing up and living in Garfield County. She and her Mom and Sister were a part of my memories of going to church and in the community. She was always informed and involved in whatever was going on. She lived a long and full life and contributed to so many of our memories. We will look forward to seeing her again soon.
roger martin says
My mother ,Bertha Marie Gunderson of Jordan grew up with Fern ,I remember as a kid going to see Fern and Ray in the summer many years back ,she was always so much fun even for us kids,we liked staying in the old bunk house,My mother always had a great story to tell of when theywere growing up !!!