Fern M. Tyree

Fern Marie Tyree, age 101, of Grove, OK went home to be with her Savior on Thursday, October 24, 2019 at her home. She was born on March 19, 1918 to Frank and Eva (Rakes) Ingram in Nebraska City, NE where she grew up as the youngest of 3 sisters, raised on a farm. Fern rode her pony to school every day and graduated from the 8th grade, then took night classes in typing and bookkeeping. While in Nebraska, she was married to Millard Allen for 12 years, from that union Mike was born, in 1949. On October 31, 1953, Fern married Riley Tyree, and the couple moved from Nebraska to Kansas City, MO to find work since the bricklayers were on strike in Nebraska. As a young woman she worked in homes, at a fruit factory, at Montgomery Wards and bookkeeping at banks. They eventually bought a farm where she was busy keeping the home. Their farm was a weekly gathering place, where neighbors came to sing and play music, Riley on the guitar and Fern at the piano. Later, when Mike joined the Army, she and Riley moved to Stockton Lake. They loved being on the lake. In 1985, the couple moved to Grove, where they became members of the Bible Baptist Church. Fern was a faithful follower of Christ and active in their church. She blessed many souls by using her gift of beautiful penmanship to write notes and send cards of encouragement, from herself and also as the church card lady, until she was age 99. In 1989, when Fern was 71 years old, Riley died following a stroke. Having extra time on her hands, Fern returned to the work force, cleaning offices in Grove until she was 80 years old. She drove until age 93 and never received a ticket. She was also, never a patient in the hospital other than when she gave birth to Mike. Fern was a wonderful cook and credits her mother for all her culinary skills. She loved to cook from scratch and a favorite memory for Mike, was hot-out-of-the-oven homemade bread every day when he stepped off the school bus. Fern was also known for her incredible Carrot Cake that raised many dollars over the years in church bake sales and auctions. Fern was a devoted grandmother and nothing pleased her more than spending time with her grandchildren, Jake and Katie, who lived next door. Many hours were spent at her home, enjoying her cooking and piano playing(never had a lesson). She joined them in playing games and shared her love of music with them, even listening to their modern music. She introduced them to classic movies and they brought much joy to each other. She eagerly anticipated visits from her great granddaughter, Elliott, letting her “drive” the lift chair while sitting on her lap. Fern always made sure to have candy available for her own and Elliott’s sweet tooth! A mighty prayer warrior, Fern was the organizer of the prayer chain for many years. She loved serving others and her smile was infectious. She rarely missed a church service up until her last year of life. More than anything, Fern loved Jesus. She was a walking-talking example of his love and gave hugs, smiles and forgiveness freely. Her kind heart, sweet smile and cheerful chuckles will forever be missed. Fern was a devoted mother to her son, Mike Allen and his wife, Lisa; grandmother to grandson, Jake Allen and wife, Donna, and their daughter Elliott, and granddaughter, Katie Allen now of Memphis, TN. The family requests that donations in Fern’s memory be made to the Bible Baptist Church Mission Fund. PO Box 450935 Grove, OK 74345. Visitation will be held at 10am Saturday, October 26 and funeral services will be held at 11am October 26, 2019 – both at Bible Baptist Church. Pastor Guy Morrow to officiate. Private family graveside services to be held at a later date at Hickory Grove Cemetery.

Tributes

Fern M. Tyree

March 19, 1918 - October 24, 2019