Myrtle Louise Ferchen Obituary (1918 - 2014)

Myrtle Louise Ferchen passed away at St. Joseph's hospital, Tucson, Arizona on July 31, 2014 at the age of 95. Her death was quite sudden, coming after a brief illness. Prior to that, she had not been admitted to a hospital since the birth of her youngest child. And, as astounding as it may seem, did not take any medications. Myrt was born on December 21, 1918 in Niagara Falls, NY, to Louis and Alice Emms who predeceased her, as did her loving husband James and two children George and Henry, who died at birth. All of her siblings (Walter, Gladys and William) predeceased her as well. She is survived by two sons and two daughters: Peggy Smith of Oro Valley, Arizona; Richard Ferchen of Niagara Falls, NY; Timothy Ferchen of Vaanta, Finland and Denise Cohen of Sandia Park, NM. She is also survived by six grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Myrt and Jim spent most of their lives in Sanborn, NY but moved to Northport, Florida in 1986. In 2005, as Jim's health began to fail, they moved to Oro Valley, Arizona to be closer to their daughter Peggy. Jim died in 2007 and in September of 2013, Myrt moved to Fellowship Square, Tucson. It was there that she fell ill. While Myrt worked for a time as a nurse, most of the Ferchens' work-life revolved around Francis Optical, which consisted of two stores that they owned in the Niagara Falls area. Their interests centered on golfing and dancing. They were active in high level round/square dancing groups and clogging. Myrt was a pretty good line-dancer too. They travelled to Europe several times and throughout the eastern USA with friends and various dance groups. Together, they also enjoyed playing cards and other games. The family especially remembers the fun times and laughter around the kitchen table playing games well into the night. Myrt had an excellent sense of humor. Myrt was also an outstanding seamstress. She made or customized most of her clothes, and did that right up until her death. Known for her dazzling creations, often with sequins and sparkles, she would rarely be seen wearing the same outfit twice. Church was also important to Myrt & Jim. As communicants of Living Waters Lutheran Church in Northport, Florida and Vistoso Community Church in Oro Valley, Arizona they rarely missed Sunday church and were very active in Bible study. Myrt will be missed by many. God is with you, Myrt. Rest in peace. A Memorial service is planned at Fellowship Square and interment of Myrt and Jim's cremains will take place in 2015, at the Pekin Mount View Cemetery, Pekin, NY.