Fern Duey

Jossie Fern Duey, age 97, of Fort Sumner, New Mexico passed away Friday, September 23, 2011 following an illness at the Roosevelt General Hospital in Portales, NM. Fern was born January 19, 1914 in Albany, Missouri to the home of Hallie Auther Wollums and the former Ida Mae Beckett. She was raised North of Taiban, NM and attended schools there. Fern married Leo C. Duey on August 31, 1936 in Savanah, Missouri. They made their home in Fort Sumner in 1937. She worked as a Star Route mail carrier for 20 years. During the war she worked for Texaco Company in Long Beach California; she returned to Fort Sumner and worked with the Postal Service for 10 years. Fern was a member of the First Baptist Church since 1954. She enjoyed quilting and was a member of the Fort Sumner Valley Quilting Club. Fern is preceded in death by her parents, her husband Leo C. Duey in 1992; a brother Jewell A. Wollums; a sister Jennie Fay Wollums; and a niece Sandra Jones in 1996. She is survived by her niece Barbara Landrum of Fort Sumner, NM; a great niece Kelly Bruce of Lubbock, TX; 2 great nephews Gary Bruce of Lubbock, TX and Rick Bruce and wife Dena of El Dorado, Kansas. Also surviving are 4 great-great nephews and many friends. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, September 26, 2011 at the First Baptist Church in Fort Sumner with Rev. Nathan Lawrence officiating. Burial will follow at the Fort Sumner Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Robin Simmons, Earl Vandiver, Bobby Russ, Champ Landrum, Tom Wilton and Ron Baker. Memorial contributions in Fern's memory may be made to the Fort Sumner Cemetery Association, PO Box 180 , Fort Sumner, NM 88119. All services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 830 North Fifth Street, Fort Sumner, NM 88119. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute or sign the guest book please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com