Fern Berry

Fern Bernice Berry, 89, of Collinsville, Ill., passed away on Tuesday, October 18, 2016.

She was born Aug. 28, 1927, in Kennett, Mo., the daughter of the late Allie and Hazel, nee Light, Finley. On April 25, 1947, she married Van Nelson Berry in Kennett, Mo. They moved to Collinsville, Ill., in 1956, and Van became a long time employee of Union Electric (now Ameren). Van died Oct. 28, 2003.

Fern was a homemaker who enjoyed reading, fashion, dancing, and music. She was passionate about her family and she never saw a baby she didn't instantly love. She also had a mean sweet tooth and, like her mother before her, often sneaked in dessert before dinner. She was tiny, feisty, and incredibly loyal to those she loved. She attended the Church of Christ for many years.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; three sisters, Inez Vitale, Aileen Casey, and Burleen Edwards; and two brothers, Guy and Earl Finley.

Surviving are her daughter and son-in-law, Vana and Micheal Vernon, of Clarkston, Wash.; grandson, Philip Wrigley, of Portland, Ore.; surviving sibling, Patsy Parker, of Collinsville, Ill.; and her longtime companion, Robert "Fritz" Mirly, of Collinsville, Ill. Also surviving are many loved nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank Fern's incredible team of caregivers, Tina, Brianna, Mary Lou, and Susi; the wonderful staff at Comfort at Home; and the amazing nurses and staff at Hospice of Southern Illinois.

Memorials may be made to alzheimer's research or Hospice of Southern Illinois and condolences may be expressed at www.herrfuneral.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, 2016, at the Herr Funeral Home in Collinsville, Ill.

Services: Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 22, 2016, at the funeral home. Interment to follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, Ill.

HERR FUNERAL HOME, Collinsville, Ill.