Vera LaFern "Fern" Ahrens, 85, passed away at her home on Thursday, March 15, 2007. A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 19, 2007, at 1:30 p.m. at Terrace Lawn Memorial Park in Boise with Pastor Ken Redford officiating. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Alden-Waggoner Funeral Chapel, Boise. She was born February 17, 1922 in Nampa, Idaho to George and Pearl Stanley. Fern's father died when she was three years old. Fern and her mother lived in Nampa. Fern graduated from Nampa High School. On October 14, 1940 she married Kenneth R. Ahrens. There are two sons from their marriage, Merlin and Ed. They lived on a farm on Karcher Road in Nampa for many years. Fern was an excellent baker. She always baked multiple pies because her family consumed them quickly. She also grew beautiful flower gardens and especially enjoyed her flower gardens after moving to Boise. Her home is a testament to her gardening skills. Pearl married George Schweizer and Fern enjoyed her step-father and his family. Fern enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She especially enjoyed her young great-grandson, Cole, who lives nearby and visited often. Fern was preceded in death by her parents and step-father. She is survived by her sons, Merlin S. Ahrens and daughter-in-law Judy Ahrens of Fairplay, Colo., and Edward D. Ahrens and daughter-in-law Teri L. Ahrens of Eagle, Idaho; grandchildren, Christina Williams (Brandon) of Boise, Idaho, Teresa Collins (Mark) of Louisville, Colo., and Julie Gunning (Rob) of Louisville, Colo. and five great- grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be made in her name to the Children's Home Society of Idaho, 740 Warm Springs, Boise, Idaho, 83712, or the Ronald McDonald House, 101 Warm Springs, Boise, Idaho, 83712.

The Idaho Statesman, March 18, 2007 Main Page 14