Ferne Arlene Zerbe was born June 14, 1930, in Max, Nebraska, to Richard A. and Helena (Brethower) Rousselle. She passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior, after a brief illness, at the age of 91 on May 1, 2022.
Ferne grew up on a farm during the depression years, going to a one room school house in the country. Later, the family moved to Stratton where she graduated from Stratton High School in 1948. Ferne earned her associates degree in teaching from McCook College. She taught for two years before marrying Paul Zerbe of Lustre, Montana, in Culbertson, Nebraska on June 18, 1952. Together they had three children: Lynell, Galen and Sherrie.
Paul and Ferne farmed and operated Zerbe Brothers’ implement business in Lustre until retiring and moving to Glasgow in 1997. They enjoyed spending their winters in Alamo, Texas at Bibleville and working at the Rio Grande Bible Institute where Ferne made many quilts. She loved crocheting, making afghans and reading. She was involved in several church activities throughout her life including teaching Sunday school, serving Awana meals, participating in Bible studies and partaking in the ladies quilting group. For many years, Ferne was a member of the Evangelical Church Prayer Group. She also attended Christian Women’s Club and most recently filled in as the church secretary. She loved the Lord and led a missional life starting at the age of six, when she accepted the Lord as her Savior.
Her last two years were spent at Prairie Ridge where she was known for her faith and her sense of humor. She felt very well cared for and loved living there.
Ferne was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul; great-grandson, Christian Gartside; son-in-law, Bob Myers; sister, Evelyn Buller; brother, Duane Rousselle; brother-in-law, Dell Buller, and sister-in-law, Marge Rousselle.
She is survived by daughters: Lynell Gartside of Billings, Montana, and Sherrie (Kurt) Campbell of Missoula, Montana; son Galen (Karla) Zerbe of Glasgow, Montana; grandchildren: Andrew (Desiree) Gartside of Huntley, Montana, Paula Gartside of Billings, Montana, Chelsey (Jatin) Gandhi of Portland, Oregon, Karissa (Scott Moore/fiancé) Campbell of Missoula, Montana, Jillian (Parker) Lee of Plains, Montana, Kole (Allie) Campbell of Plains, Montana, Taylor Zerbe of Glasgow, Montana, Janae (Ashten) Simpson of Larslan, Montana, and Regan Zerbe of Glasgow, Montana; seven great-grandchildren; along with many nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be open to the public on Friday, May 6, 2022 at Bell Mortuary in Glasgow, Montana with a prayer service/family receiving friends at 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 7, 2022 at the Evangelical Church in Glasgow, Montana with a luncheon to follow. Burial is private. Condolences may be left for the family at bellmortuarymontana.com. In Lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Glasgow Evangelical Church 152 Aberdeen, Glasgow, Montana 59230 or Glasgow-City-County Library 408 3rd Avenue South, Glasgow, Montana 59230.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Friday May 6, 2022
Bell Mortuary
701 Second Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday May 6, 2022
Bell Mortuary
701 Second Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 7, 2022
Evangelical Church
152 Aberdeen Street
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 to 8:00 p.m.
Friday May 6, 2022
Bell Mortuary
701 Second Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday May 6, 2022
Bell Mortuary
701 Second Avenue South
Glasgow, Montana 59230
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday May 7, 2022
Evangelical Church
152 Aberdeen Street
Glasgow, Montana 59230
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Connie F Johnson says
So very sorry for the loss of you mom. What a sweet amazing lady. Sending hugs and prayers🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
Frank C Wiens says
Our sympathy to the Zerbe family. Since my wife and I were married on the same day as
Paul and Fern we were unable to attend each other’s wedding. Always counted them as
good friends.
Frank & Ethel Wiens
Sheryl Metz says
Aunt Ferne was a pretty amazing lady: loving, smart, hard-working, always pleasant, unflappable, and a true follower of Christ! Looking back, I’m pretty sure I didn’t appreciate all her special attributes during the two years she raised me when Mom and Dad were in Africa (and it had to have been tough raising someone else’s kids!) But I was always loved and well cared for, and she taught me how to work and to sew, and told me about the birds and the bees (that’s what we called it back then!) She gets a lot of credit for putting up with me and giving me a firm footing in life, for which she deserves a huge heavenly reward!
Kerri Svedjan-Wolff says
Sending our sympathies to the Zerbe families.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
Scott, Kerri, Jenna and Jordyn Wolff
Amos Erickson & Family says
Celebrating with Jesus; she was clear that she was ready and looking forward to seeing her Father. Her Christian Hope was fulfilled. It is still so hard to be left behind in this physical world without your sweet mother. You will miss her greatly. Sending our sympathy to you all.
Diane Sergent says
Dear Zerbe family
I’m so very sorry to hear about your mom,
She was an amazing woman.
Terry Jung says
What a blessing Fern was in my life. Her heart for the Lord and prayer always inspired me. May the Lord wrap his arms around your family at this time and in the days to come.