Barbara Ann (Tillmanns) Ferns

Barbara Ann Ferns left this world to go home to her Lord and Savior on September 1, 2018. Barbara was born on June 28, 1926, the only child of Hans and Agnes (Krommen) Tillmanns, in Aachen, Germany. She came to the United States when she was a baby and her family settled in the Detroit area. She married Hugh C. Ferns on September 26, 1946, and they had 5 children: Carol A. (Skip) Bregand, William B. (Maryann) Ferns, Julie A. (Dean) Bennette, Gary E. (Debbie) Ferns, and Mary F. (Thomas) Armstrong. While Hugh was in the Air Force, they were stationed in Germany and traveled extensively throughout Europe. They returned to the States, where they were eventually stationed to the 753rd Radar Base in Sault Ste, Marie. They raised their 5 children here and often said that this city was a great place to raise a family. She worked for many years at Chippewa County Probate Court. Barbara was active in her church and her children's schools. She belonged to St Joseph's PTA, St Joseph Ladies' Guild and was a founding member of Loretto High School's Mothers' Club. She was a member of St Mary's Altar Society, and was a Eucharistic Minister at Holy Name of Mary for years. She participated and donated to many community organizations, including Soo Theater Project, Hospice of Chippewa County, and the Chippewa County Historical Society, of which she was a lifetime member. She was a member of the LSSU Elders, Red Hats and DAV Auxiliary. She instilled a strong sense of family, church and community in her children. Barbara was proud of her family and she was very loved by all who were blessed to know her. She is survived by her 5 children, 15 grandchildren, 29 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Hugh, her parents, her stepfather Harry Miller, and a son-in-law Robert Campeau. Her Catholic faith was very important to her, and to Hugh, and they passed that love of God onto all their children. She was a kind and thoughtful wife, mother and friend, and she will be missed by more than her family. There will be visitation at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church on Friday, September 7, 2018 from 9:30 am until 11:00AM with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 am with Father Sebastian Kavumkal as Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, Mom would have loved to have donations made to St Mary's School or Hospice House. Online condolences may be left at www.clarkbaileynewhouse.com.

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Barbara Ann (Tillmanns) Ferns

June 28, 1926 - September 1, 2018