Fern Wanda Harding

Mrs. Fern Wanda Harding, "Fernie", 93, of Murray, passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Anna Mae Owen Residential Hospice House and is resting peacefully with our Lord. 

Fern was born September 4, 1930 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Havre, Montana to Henry and Helen (Beilke) Pagel.  She graduated from Havre High School in 1948.

Fern married the love of her life, Jack Harding, on March 14, 1948 and together they had five children, Sandra, Barbara, Russell, Rachelle and Renee. 

Fern and her husband, Jack, square danced for several years at the Grand Squares.  She enjoyed playing cards and traveling with friends and she was an avid sports fan following the Cubs, Bears and Bulls and also loved the Memphis Grizzlies.  

Fern was a wife, homemaker, mother, and grandmother (Nana).  She loved to collect angesl and anything American Indian.  She was a member of LWML at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, judge of election, and a volunteer at St. Mary's Hospital in Galesburg.

Mrs. Harding is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Helen Pagel; her husband, Jack Harding; two daughters, Barbara Salley, Sandra Bennett and her sister, Genevieve Haugen.  In addition, she is preceded in death by a grandson, Joshua Bennett and a great granddaughter, Taylor Salley.

Those left to cherish many wonderful memories include her children, Russell Harding of Spokane, WA, Rachelle (Guy) Harding of Galesburg, IL, and Renee (Tony) Ericson of Murray, KY.  She is also survived by nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Above all, she treasured her family and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of her life will be held at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Galesburg, IL.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 100 S 15th Street, Murray, KY 42071.