Susan Gay Ferrell

work, play service and creativity” Sue Ferrell.

With great confidence that she would soon be in the presence of the Lord and attending grace, Susan Gaye Ferrell, 60, passed away peacefully in her Salem home on August 1, 2011.

Sue was born August 25, 1950 to Harry Arthur Lewis and Ella Jane Lewis in Turlock, California. She attended elementary, middle and high schools in Stockton, California and Rio Hondo College School of Nursing. Known for her sunny disposition and loving care of friends and family, she carried on a lifelong ministry of practical encouragement, to the great benefit of those around her. Her natural gifts in organization brought order to her family, work and ministries and benefited every environment she touched.

Sue met Larry Ferrell in 1982 while leading a singles ministry at Turlock First United Methodist Church and they were married June 11, 1983. In 1986, they moved to Oregon and eventually settled in their country home, where the quiet and good company of each other and friends made for many, many happy days together. The warm memories of camping, drinking coffee, eating Chinese food, reading, crafting or simply being with Sue are priceless treasures of time well spent.

Sue nurtured a spirit of thankfulness, the habit of which she attributed to her maternal grandmother, Blanche Broomfield Bentley, along with healthy doses of humor and joy. She kept her balance most days, even in the face of a long and daunting illness, her faith the bedrock of her life practices.

Sue served the Lord thru her lifestyle and thru her church, Salem Alliance. She was involved in leadership of small groups, encouragement by personal contact and cards, volunteering for a medical mission to Thailand, and the subsequent financial support by creating and selling greeting cards with all the proceeds supporting the Thailand mission.

Sue was preceded in death by her mother; Ella Jane Lewis, sister; Karen Jane Lewis, adopted sister; June Hathersmith, and stepmother; Lorraine Lewis.

She is survived by a loving family: husband; Laren (Larry) Ferrell, father; Harry Arthur Lewis, sons; Michael Lewis Johnson (Darbi), David Lauren Ferrell (Suzy) and Craig Allen Ferrell (Stephanie). Seven grandchildren, Blake, Tyler, Gracie, and Ravyn Johnson, and Peyton, Cody, and Ashton VanVelzer .

A memorial Service will be held on August 13, 10 a.m., at Salem Alliance Church, 555 Gaines NE, Salem, OR 97301.

Remembrances may be given in lieu of flowers to Salem Free Medical Clinic, Alliance Great Commission Ministries (Thailand) via Salem Alliance Church, or Wycliffe Bible Translators.