Surrounded by her family, Ferrel L. Zeimer died peacefully on Dec. 24. She was born on Nov. 18, 1932 in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, to Joseph and Helen McCray. Ferrel graduated from Columbus Central High School in Columbus, Ohio. Her lifelong friends from those early days described her as the “smartest girl in the class” and “my best friend for over 75 years.” Ferrel met her husband Richard through some of those dear friends and, after getting married, they sought out new adventures in Southern California.
Raising their family in Reseda, California Ferrel became an active member in St. Mark’s Presbyterian Church as a Sunday School teacher, deacon, and elder. Her job as an office manager in an elementary school was a source of pride and good friendships. The family took lots of camping trips and eventually owned a cabin at Big Bear Lake. Ferrel and Richard made many memories at Big Bear with their grandsons, Eddie and Dan. Ferrel took that camping knowledge and applied it to serving as a Girl Scout leader for many years with both of her daughters.
After years of pitching a tent in her US travels (visiting all 50 States), it became time to travel a little farther afield. She and Richard traveled throughout Europe, New Zealand, and Australia – together creating lasting memories and making friends along the way.
After 31 years in California, Ferrel and Richard returned to the town of Deersville, Ohio (population 79) to establish the Mulberry Lane Bed & Breakfast. This was an exciting opportunity for something new and a chance to reunite with lifelong friends. Ferrel learned that Deersville life offered wonderful small town charm. She joined the Deersville Players Theater Group, the Deersville Improvement and Historic Preservation Society, and the Deersville Quilters. She was also involved in founding the Deersville Community Library and the Elder Hostel Program for Amish Country and Harrison County. These varied activities kept Ferrel and Richard enthusiastic, engaged, and happy.
Real retirement came with their move to Vancouver, Washington seven years ago. Ferrel’s life at Fairway Village included yoga and balance classes, a New Friends group, monthly bingo and movie night, and the monthly book group – something that she especially enjoyed. She and Richard have been happy to make St. John’s Presbyterian Church of Camas their church community.
Ferrel is preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Fred McCray of Charlotte, NC and Charles McCray of Uhrichsville, Ohio, and her grandson Edward Webb of Colfax, Calif. She is also survived by her husband, Richard, daughters Laura Webb and Cheri (Rick) Jackson, grandchildren Katelin (Brad) Cole, Grant Jackson, and Dan (Tamara) Webb, great grandchildren Ed Webb, Nycole Webb, Gavin Webb and Claire Cole. Ferrel would not want to leave out the only dog she ever loved, Keeva.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. John’s Church on Saturday, Jan. 16, at 11 a.m. Following the service will be a reception to honor the life Ferrel so joyously lived.
In lieu of flowers, Ferrel’s wishes would be for donations to be made to St. John’s Presbyterian Church.
St. John’s Presbyterian Church
1206 NE Birch Street
Camas WA 98607