Fern Maxine Deatherage, age 79, of Waverly, Missouri, passed away on Friday, June 30, 2023, in Carrollton, Missouri.
Born on October 22, 1943, in Waverly, Missouri, Fern was the daughter of Robert Bryan and Elva Edith (Fowler) Elliott. In 1963, she married Donald M Hartman and together, they welcomed two sons, David and Dwayne. Later in life, Fern found love again with Wayne Deatherage, whom she married in 2000. Her family was the heart of her existence, and she nurtured it with unwavering devotion and love.
A proud 1961 graduate of Santa Fe High School in Grand Pass, Missouri, Fern furthered her education with IBM Training at Sears. She spent her professional years in Human Resources, serving non-profit organizations such as Missouri Valley Human Resource Development Corporation and Missouri Valley Community Action Agency. Fern was also a familiar face at the election polls, always keen to play her part in the democratic process.
Fern’s commitment to her community extended beyond her professional life. She was an active member of numerous local organizations, including the Daughters of the American Revolution, United Daughters of the Confederacy, and the Santa Fe Trails Regional Library Board. She had been a member of Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) and later changed to Weigh To Go. She made many close friends within this group and had even written the Pledge that was recited before each meeting. Her passion for service was further reflected in her role as a volunteer caregiver, offering support and companionship to many, particularly seniors. Fern was a beacon of warmth and kindness within her community. She was always thoughtful and considerate, dedicating her life to the service of others. Fern left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Fern’s zest for life was infectious. She had a special affection for hummingbirds and birds of all kinds. She never watched television except to watch the KC Royals and the KC Chiefs. Fern was an avid reader, with a penchant for romance and mystery novels. Her daily ritual of an apple and popcorn in the evenings was a testament to her simple pleasures. A skilled cook, Fern’s mac and cheese, meatloaf, and holiday candy were legendary, and she thoroughly enjoyed Christmas.
A gifted writer, Fern published a family cookbook and penned numerous pieces for the organizations in which she was involved. She had a particular talent for poetry, and her words often brought comfort and joy to those around her. For decades, she meticulously researched family genealogy for both her first and second husbands’ families, preserving their histories for future generations.
Fern’s garden was her sanctuary, where she cultivated beautiful flowers and nourishing vegetables. Her love for nature was reflective of her nurturing spirit, a trait that endeared her to many. Fern’s life was a testament to the impact one person can have on a community, and her legacy of love, kindness, and selflessness will live on in the hearts of those she touched.
Fern is survived by her two sons, David Hartman and wife Cindy of Waverly, Missouri, and Dwayne Hartman and wife Nicole of Kansas City, Missouri; five step-children, one sister, Joyce Webb of Carrollton, Missouri; five grandchildren, Billy Hartman (Shanda) of Concordia, Missouri, Allison Hartman of Cincinnati, Ohio, Megan Hartman of Kansas City, Missouri, Taylor Hartman of Kansas City, Missouri, and Amanda Cole (Derek) of Oak Grove, Missouri; two great-grandchildren; and numerous step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Elva Elliott; her husband Wayne; a stillborn daughter; one brother, Gene Elliott; two sisters, Faye Lawson, and one sister that was still-born; two nephews; and one niece.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at Bittiker Funeral Home, 1201 North 65 Highway, Carrollton, Missouri.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, July 7, 2023, at Bittiker Funeral Home, with Father Ken Criqui officiating.
Burial will be in Mt. Nebo Cemetery, Grand Pass, Missouri.
If you would like to make a memorial contribution, please consider Waverly Jaycees. They may be left at or mailed to Bittiker Funeral Home, P.O. Box 223, Carrollton, Missouri, 64633.
Please share your condolences with the family by visiting www.bittikerfuneralhomes.com and click on the obituaries link.