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- [S927] Obituary.
SALEM - Fern Ann Stebner, 86, died of complications from congestive heart failure on February 3, 2005. Fern was born July 3, 1918, in Bismarck, N.D., to Robert and Emma Peterson Yeater and was the sixth of their eight children. She attended schools in Bismarck and after graduation from high school, worked for the North Dakota utility company. In 1938, she married Jacob John `Jack' Stebner in Bismarck, and they enjoyed many happy years of marriage until Jack's death in 2003, ten days shy of their 65th wedding anniversary. Once their first child was born, Fern became a full-time homemaker and she excelled in the role. In 1945, Jack and Fern moved to Salem to be closer to family and remained there the rest of their lives. When her children were older, Fern returned to work outside the home. From 1959 to 1961, she worked in the Customer Service Department at Meier & Frank in Salem. She then worked as an executive secretary with the State of Oregon, where she made use of her superior skills in shorthand, typing, and organization. She retired in 1975 at the age of 57. Fern was the ultimate loving mother, lavishing care and concern over her four children and later, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. She declared her children were her whole life, and she devoted her life to them. She must have done a superb job: all four children are in their original marriages, each of more than 35 years. Fern is survived by her children, Robert (and wife, Jan) of Salem, Carol Squire (and husband, Dave) of Beaverton, Linda Ahlers (and husband, Tom) of Corvallis, and Richard (and wife, Carol) of Yuma, Ariz.; grandchildren, Kathryn Stebner, John Stebner, Lori Squire Gupta, Michelle Squire York, Steven Squire, Tim Ahlers, Andy Ahlers, Amy Stebner Smith, and Michael Stebner; great-grandchildren, Arthur and Galen York, Riley and Taylor Smith, Parker and Phoebe Stebner, and Kayden Gupta; and sisters, Audrey Ferder and Frances Rastorfer of Salem. She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sisters, Jessie Yeater, Annette Barner, and Marian Yeiter; and brothers, Paul and Douglas Yeater. Full of vitality and with a razor-sharp mind until the end, Fern enjoyed cooking, sewing, gardening, embroidering, and reading. She also had a flair for decorating and a beautiful sense of style, which came in handy when she and Jack remodeled older homes. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Salem for more than 59 years. At her request, no funeral services will be held. The family will share a private Celebration of Fern's Life, giving thanks that Fern is now reunited with Jack, the love of her life. Arrangements are by Howell-Edwards-Doerksen with Rigdon-Ransom Funeral Directors. Contributions may be made to St. Joseph's Catholic Church, the Salvation Army, or the American Heart Association.
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1918 - 2005 (86 years)