Fern Effenbeck, 90

Fern M. Effenbeck, 90, of Mountain Home, died on Monday, Sept. 11, 2006, at a local hospital.

Graveside services will be held at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14, at Mountain View Cemetery in Mountain Home. Arrangements are under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home.

Fern attended school in North Platte, Neb., and graduated from North Platte High School.

She married Henry Effenbeck in March 1935. Their son, Gary, was born in August 1936.

They moved to California in 1938, living there until the mid-'60s and retired to Mountain Home in 1972.

"Fern was a very loving and caring wife and mother," her family said. "She openly welcomed friends and family that stopped by for a cup of coffee or an extended visit. She enjoyed playing cards, Yahtzee or Scrabble at anytime. She also knitted and crocheted and made afghans for everyone in her family."

She also helped at every election for years, working on the Mountain Home Election Board.

Fern kept diaries from 1972 through 1997, that are "priceless antidotes of her life, and those around her," her family said, "which will be enjoyed by her family. She was so loved by her family and friends. Her gentle spirt, positive attitude and wonderful sense of humor will be greatly missed."

Fern is survived by: her son, Gary, and his wife, Kay Effenbeck, of Soldatna, Alaska, four grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry, and one brother.