Mary A. Ferley

Mary Allyson Ferley, 81, of Newburgh, Indiana, passed away peacefully on May 11, 2026. Born on May 21, 1944, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Mary was the beloved daughter of Francis and Ruth Kinsley, who preceded her in death. She grew up on a farm in Canton, South Dakota, where she developed the strong values and work ethic that would guide her throughout her life.

Mary dedicated much of her life to education and faith. She earned her Master’s degree in English from the University of South Dakota and went on to share her love of literature and learning with countless students over the years. She was a former high school English teacher at Mater Dei High School in Evansville, IN and served as an adjunct professor at the University of Southern Indiana, Henderson Community College, ITT Tech, and Des Moines Community College. She had a deep love of learning and language, and her passion for teaching left a lasting impact on the many students whose lives she touched over the years.

Raised in the Lutheran church, Mary remained a lifelong student of her faith. Her devotion led her to become a Lay Minister, serving churches in need and offering comfort and guidance to many. She was a faithful member of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Evansville.

Mary found great joy in life’s simple pleasures and treasured time spent with family and friends. She loved playing card games such as rummy, Phase 10, bridge, and euchre, and she never missed a bingo session at her home, The Village at Hamilton Pointe. She was known for her kind spirit—no one was ever a stranger to her—and she loved striking up conversations with everyone she met. She also enjoyed watching Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, solving word puzzles like Sudoku, crosswords, and word searches, as well as coloring, painting, and keeping up with loved ones on Facebook.

Above all else, Mary loved her family. Whether through phone calls, visits, or simply sharing everyday moments, she cherished every opportunity to stay connected with those she loved most.

She is survived by her children, Todd Ferley, Aaron (Christy) Ferley, and Allyson (Michael) Breon; her beloved grandchildren, Mitchell Ferley, Dakota Ferley, Cameron Ferley, Abbygail Ferley, and Brooklyn Breon; and by her former husband, Steve (Beth-Anne) Ferley and their daughter Jessica (Jonathan) Kading.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Alexander Funeral Home - Newburgh Chapel, with the funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m., officiated by Reverend Georgia Chambers.

Mary will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered for her warmth, her faith, her wisdom, and the love she gave so freely to others.