Edna Fern Ham

Monday, January 7, 2008

Edna Fern Ham

Feb. 24, 1918 - Jan. 5, 2008

BENKELMAN -- Edna Fern Ham was born Feb. 24, 1918, to Reece W. and Mayme E. (Morrison) Hardwick on a farm twelve miles north of Parks, in Dundy County. She attended grade school near her home in District 24 and graduated from Parks High School in 1934. Fern loved growing up on the farm and enjoyed taking piano lessons. Playing the piano was always a great source of enjoyment for her.

On March 15, 1939, Fern was united in marriage to Lyle Cecil Ham. This union was blessed with four children, Gloria Jean, Gary Lee, Linda Fern, and Sandra Kaye. On Dec. 27, 1970, Lyle was killed in a tragic accident at the train-crossing near their home, devastating Fern and changing her world.

Fern used her artistic talents to create many beautiful paintings for her family and friends. Her drawing of the Benkelman United Methodist Church graces the cover of the church's stationary. She was a talented bowler who enjoyed going to tournaments locally and at the state level. Fern also enjoyed playing bridge, especially with her marathon partner, Bula Adkinson. Her cooking talents drew rave reviews from family, friends, hired men, church members, and many others.

One of her greatest joys were visits from her grandchildren -- she was their "town mom". She was a very active member of Benkelman United Methodist Church, the Doane Extension Club, and was a 4-H Leader for many years. She also continued a family tradition with her lifetime membership in the Order of Easter Star -- Holly Chapter No. 233.

Fern passed away on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman at the age of 89.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Reece and Mayme Hardwick; her husband, Lyle Ham; brothers, Francis Hardwick and Bob Hardwick; sisters, Erma Dunn, Louise Stamm; and grandson, Daniel Jesse Jones.

Survivors include her son, Gary Ham and wife, Rita of Parks; daughters, Jean Krug and husband, Henry, Linda Cunningham and husband, Ron, all of Benkelman and Sandra Jones and husband, David of Osmond; sisters-in-law, Ruby Ham, Eula Ham, Kathleen Ham and Norma Hardwick; brothers-in-law, Everett Stamm and Lawrence Ham; eleven grandchildren, including, Brenda Lutz and husband, Scott; Steve Krug and wife, Lana; Karey Graves and husband, Todd, Michael Ham and wife, Erin, Mark Ham and wife, Julie, Natalie Campbell and husband, Chuck, Brett Cunningham and wife, Natalie, David Jones and wife, Lisa, Sara Reinoehl and husband, Jared, Darbi Eschmann and husband, Alan and Shauna Jones; twenty-three great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends.

Alzheimer's disease took Fern from her family twelve years ago. Her precious jewels were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her love of life, family, music and art will live on in their hearts.

Funeral services will be Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Interment will follow services at the Benkelman Cemetery.

Friends may sign the guest book at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m.

Memorials may be given in her name.

Arrangements are under the direction of Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman.