Jan Ferrier

Jan Ferrier, 87 years of age, of Bertrand, Nebraska, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2014 at the CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney, Nebraska. She was born on April 23, 1927 on the family farm in Lyons, Indiana, the only daughter born to Joel and Violet (Hauser) Benham. Jan received her education in Lyons and left the farm to pursue higher education at Indiana University, where she received a B.A. degree in Recreation.

She was a spirited woman who was not afraid of taking risks and left her Midwestern roots to live in Denver and later Bend, Oregon, before returning to the Midwest to live in Bertrand in 2006.

Jan was a high school gymnastics coach and later, taught middle school English, physical education and drama. After retirement, she was a volunteer for the Foster Grandparents' Program, where she taught reading to elementary school children. She also volunteered for the Senior Companions program, providing assistance to the elderly. Jan was passionate about creativity and had a talent for arts and crafts, particularly stained glass. She was also an avid swimmer and volunteered at the YWCA in Bend, Oregon, where she enjoyed teaching water aerobics. She swam regularly until her mid-eighties.

She moved to Bertrand in 2006 and is survived by her adopted daughter, Jessica Ringle, of North Carolina and her long-time friend and companion, John Bostic of Bertrand.

A memorial service will be held as part of the normal Sunday services on November 23, 2014 at the Faith Free Lutheran Church in Bertrand with Pastor Glenn Frecks officiating.

There will be no visitation.

A memorial has been established in Jan's honor and will be designated at a later date.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.