Ivan Theodore Ferris

Ivan Theodore Ferris, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2025. He was born on December 31st, 1931 in Tumwater, Washington, to Ted and Ethel Ferris, in the home of his grandparents located on Tumwater Hill.

Ivan spent his early childhood with his parents and older sister, Delores Farrington (Ferris), at Simpson Logging Camp #3 near the headwaters of the Skokomish River. While living at the logging camp, he attended a one-room school until the age of eleven, and those formative years instilled in him a lifelong love of the outdoors. The family later moved to Olympia, Washington, where he attended McKinley Grade School and Washington Junior High, and Olympia High School during his senior year, where he met the love of his life, Virginia Day. He graduated in 1950.

Ivan proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1951 to 1954. He was assigned to the aircraft carrier USS Princeton as an aviation storekeeper during the Korean War and was honorably discharged. Shortly after his service, he married Virginia in 1955, and together they shared 70 wonderful years of marriage, building a home in Olympia and raising their three sons, Bret, Roger, and Joe.

Ivan worked for the Washington State Attorney General’s Office as a Production Supervisor in the Printing Department until retiring in 1982. In retirement, Ivan and Virginia enjoyed traveling together, spending several months each yar in Indio, California, as snowbirds, where they cherished the friendships they made. When at home, Ivan rarely missed his daily morning coffee at the Rib Eye, where he gathered with friends, shared stories, and “solved the world’s problems”, a routine he greatly enjoyed.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Ivan treasured time outdoors. He also loved gardening and took great pride in tending large vegetable gardens over the years, often sharing the harvest with family and friends. He coached Little League baseball for all three of his sons and enjoyed countless hunting and fishing trips throughout his life. These included moose hunting trips to British Columbia, hunting and fishing adventures in Kodiak, Alaska, with his cousin George Valley, and annual pheasant and deer trips to Eastern Washington – traditions he maintained for more than fifty years.

Above all, Ivan was deeply devoted to his wife and family. He shared a loving, steadfast bond with Viginia and never met a stranger, always greeting others with a big, warm smile and open heart.

Ivan was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Delores; his grandparents; great-grandparents; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia; his sons Bret (Tammy), Roger, and Joe (Kathy); and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins, all of whom he loved dearly.

Ivan was an active member of his church and lived his life guided by his faith. He loved the Lords and found great joy in fellowship, service, and community. He will be remembered for his kindness, unwavering faith, devotion to his family, and the many friendships he formed throughout his life. HI legacy of love and warmth will live on in all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held early 2026. Details will be shared at a later date.