White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Marie M. Ferris, 92 years old, of Davenport, Iowa, formerly of Independence, Iowa, died on Friday, November 1, 2013, at Ridgecrest Village in Davenport.  She was born on August 24, 1921, in Platte, South Dakota, the daughter of William Frederick and Adele Katherine (Tiedje) Gosch.  She graduated from high school in Pierce, Nebraska, with the Class of 1939.  OnSeptember 8, 1941, she and Earl Lowell Ferris were married in Stanton, Nebraska, and they moved to Independence in 1948.  Marie was a devoted and generous mother, a loyal and thoughtful friend, a beautiful and classy woman with a strong Godly faith.  She was the creator of beautiful prayers.

While living in Independence, Marie was a member of the First United Methodist Church where she taught Sunday School and was active in other church organizations.  She was a league bowler and enjoyed crafts.  She loved to paint, make candles, knick knacks, ornaments, jewelry trees and photo albums.  She was also an accomplished dancer.

At home, she was a seamstress who could sew anything.  She was an excellent baker and cook.  She welcomed friends whether it be for an evening of playing cards or a number of months for an AFS student.  She always found time for her children and grandchildren and boating with family and friends on the Wapsipinicon River.

Marie is survived by 2 daughters, Judy (William) Wentz of League City, Texas, and Kay Ferris of Eldridge, Iowa, 2 sons, Ron (Denise) Ferris of Dickinson, Texas, and Mike (Rebecca) Ferris of Davenport, Iowa.  She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and 2 AFS children, Marshall Oppy of Australia and Tinka Pohlmann of Germany.

She was preceded in death by her parents and 3 brothers.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 8, 2013, at the White Funeral Home in Independence with Rev. Richard Miller officiating.  Marie’s cremated remains will be placed in the Cremation Garden at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.  Friends may call for visitation from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7^th, at the funeral home.  A Memorial Fund has been established.