Fern Beem

On the sunny-rainy morning of October 13, Fern traveled over the rainbow and into the loving arms of those long anticipating reunion with their beloved wife, daughter, sister and friend.

Born on the family homestead near Moorcroft, Wyoming to Fern and Fred Guthery, she and her brother Stewart absorbed a deep love of wide open spaces, taken in at full gallop astride a favorite horse. Just before entering fifth grade, the family moved to Elgin, Oregon where her father bought and published the Weekly Elgin Recorder. It was in Elgin that Fern would develop life-long friendships that sustained her even through her final days.

When her handsome soldier, Charles T. Beem returned from WWII, they married and soon began their most fulfilling adventure, raising four daughters: Janet (Proebstel), Kathy, Cheryl, and Susan (Beem Beery). They attended countless school plays, concerts, trips, and events-proud and encouraging the best. All of "the girls" have achieved advanced university degrees and challenging professional careers. Her greatest pleasures have come from grandparenting five wonderful grandkids and four equally wonderful step-grands.

Fern didn't think of herself as a leader, yet she served as a wise and supportive Mother Advisor to countless Rainbow Girls, eventually being honored as State Mother Advisor. Whether it was a successful fund drive for the Shriner's Hospital or a beautifully performed ritual, her many years of service along side her Eastern Star sisters gave purpose, friendship, and meaning to her life, especially after the loss of her best friend and husband, Ted.

Fern didn't think of herself as a traveler, yet dissatisfied with a long separation from any daughter, she joined Cheryl in Japan and learned the joy of being an elder in that culture. She joined Susan's family in Europe, visiting castles, exclaiming over expanses of blooming tulips, and making sure someone snapped a photo to record morning coffee in an outdoor café with the Eiffel Tower in the background.

Fern didn't think of herself as an artist, but life was her canvass and love, friendship, hospitality, and compassion her media. She loved sewing, her fancy work, her pets, her flowers, following her favorite basketball team, and big holiday gatherings. She lived with zest and came to the end with few regrets. All who loved her notice a bit less sparkle in our worlds today. She would remind us, "That's just the way it is!" and invite us to "Come over when you can."

Rest comfortably, dear one. Your struggles are finished. You did good.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, October 17, 2006 from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. at Daniels Chapel of the Valley. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, October 18, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ascension School in Cove. Committal and interment will follow at the Summerville Cemetery.