Fern A. Henneman

After a 25-year courageous battle with cancer, our mother, Fern Alice (Rash) Henneman, 84, went to be with our dad, in heaven, on Wednesday, May 23, 2007.

She was the youngest of four children, born on July 16, 1922, to Elmer Rash and Hazel (Totten) Rash, in Platt, S.D. She attended school in South Dakota, graduating from Burke High School in 1941.

We will miss you greatly mom, grandma, great-grandma, great-great-grandma and dear friend.

Fern married Harry W. Henneman on June 16, 1942, in Nebraska. They lived in Winner, Mitchell, Stickney, and Dallas, among other cities in South Dakota. In 1956, they moved to Priest River, Idaho, and then to Kalispel, Mont., before settling in Othello in 1958. She worked at Carnation Potato Company for a short time. When Harry retired and their children were all on their own, they moved to Steptoe and Odessa, where he worked as a mechanic and then on to Davenport, where they operated a self-serve gas station for many years. She was most recently living in Moses Lake with her daughter and son-in-law.

She loved butterflies and the color pink. She raised poodles and enjoyed growing African Violets.

Fern is survived by one son, Al (Carol) Henneman of Othello and three daughters, Patricia Avila of Othello, Betty (Bill) Bagwell of Spokane and Beverley (Jerry) Palen of Moses Lake, along with 22 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and two great-great-granddaughters and one great-great-grandson, Jonathan Robertson of Virginia, whom she was able to hold and cuddle in December of 2006. She is also survived by very special friends, Janie Morigeau of Missoula, Mont., and Bill and Betty Brice of Moses Lake.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Harry; one son, Harry W. Jr.; her parents, one sister and two brothers.

Funeral Services were held on Wednesday, May 30, at 11 a.m. at the Chapel of Strate Funeral Home in Davenport. Concluding services and Interment followed at Mt. View Davenport. Memorials may be made in Fern's name to the donor's choice.

Strate Funeral Home, Davenport is caring for the family.