Vera Suzanne Ferrell

Vera Suzanne “Sue” Ferrell was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on July 29, 2024, at Legacy Village of Castle Pines in Castle Pines, CO. Although we are mourning her passing here on earth, we know that she is now rejoicing in the Kingdom of God, with no more pain or suffering.

Sue was born on August 19, 1931, to William and Huldah (Westaby) Jakobs on the family farm south of Iowa Falls, Iowa. She joined one sister, Mildred (Mickie), and together they grew up and attended country school in Hardin County. She went on to attend and graduate from Iowa Falls High School in 1949, then attended and graduated from the Methodist-Kahler School of Nursing as an RN in Rochester, MN, in September, 1951.

Sue was united in marriage with Robert L Blake in Sioux Falls, SD, on December 31, 1951. She began her career as a private duty nurse at McKennan Hospital, and later worked for Dr. Verlynne V. Volin in his medical office. Sue would work in his practice for 17 years.

Sue and Bob had 3 children, Holly, Brian, and Doug.

Bob passed away in January, 1969. On September 14, 1973, Sue married Dr. Richard J Kocon; she studied and attained her certificate as a dental assistant, then worked with Dick in his practice until his death in August, 1998.

On October 6, 2001, she married Dr. Michael R Ferrell, and together they enjoyed retirement in Sioux Falls and Sun Lakes, AZ, as well as travel in the US and abroad. Mike passed away in February, 2022.

Sue served in a variety of local volunteer efforts including organizing the annual MS Walk, ushering at the Washington Pavilion, and within her churches, First Congregational and later First United Methodist, both in Sioux Falls.

Blessed for having shared in her life and love are her daughter, Holly (Jim) Van’t Land, Larkspur, CO, daughter-in-law, Jorjann Blake, Melbourne, FL, and son, Douglas (Susan) Blake, Evergreen, CO. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Susanne (Jeff) Guille, Alan (Michelle) Van’t Land, John (Jenny) Van’t Land, Laura (Eric) Olson, Britton Blake, Alison (Jared) Ribstein, and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Mickie, and son, Brian.

Funeral services will be held August 17 at 2 p.m. at Emmaus Anglican Church, 995 N Ridge Road, Castle Rock, CO. Burial will take place August 23 at 10:30 a.m. at Hills of Rest cemetery in Sioux Falls, SD.

Memorials may be sent to:

First United Methodist Church, 401 S Spring Ave, Sioux Fall, SD 57104

OR

National MS Society, Upper Midwest Chapter, PO Box 88540, Carol Stream, IL 60188