Ferne Doeden Carbaugh

Ferne Doeden Carbaugh, 103, passed away May 7, 2026, at her home in Fort Wayne, IN. She was born on December 29, 1922, in Douglas Township, Il, the daughter of Henrich and Nettie Doeden.

Ferne’s journey with our father, Ken, began at a "Townies" mixer dance while he was studying Bacterial Science at Purdue. Ken was so smitten that he wrote to his mother, declaring he had met the girl he was going to marry—a sentiment Ferne didn't truly believe until she saw the letter herself.

As a dedicated mother of four, Ferne balanced raising her children with a career processing claims for Lincoln Life and Dr. Don Miller. Above all, she was the person you could always count on whenever you needed to talk. Following Dad’s passing, she found solace and purpose as a dedicated volunteer at the Botanical Conservatory in Fort Wayne.

Ferne had a passion for traveling, camping, and a wide variety of crafts, including oil painting, quilting, sewing, and spinning yarn. One of her greatest prayers was to maintain her cognitive abilities as she aged. We are grateful that she was granted this gift, remaining sharp and insightful until her final days.

She has left behind a loving family who will continue her legacy of Christ. Please join us in remembering her remarkable life.

Ferne is survived by her children, Cheryl (Douglas) Weed of New Hampshire, Paul (Mary) Carbaugh and Mark (Karen Sandman) Carbaugh, both of Fort Wayne, IN. Ferne is also survived by 7 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth F. Carbaugh 1987 and a son Kenneth F. Carbaugh III 2006.

Funeral service will be 11:00 am. Monday May 18, 2026, at St. Peters Lutheran Church 7710 E. State Blvd. Fort Wayne, IN with visitation two hours prior. Committal and burial at Greenlawn Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to St. Peters Lutheran Church.

Arrangement entrusted to D.O. McComb and Sons Maplewood Park Funeral Home 4017 Maplecrest Road, Fort Wayne, IN.