It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of my brother, John Lee Ferrell, on March 10, 2018 at Munson Medical Center. My son Randy, our sister Terry, and I were at his bedside as he made his transition to be with his wife, Mona, who passed away only six weeks earlier on January 24, 2018.
John was born in Traverse City, Michigan, on November 13, 1957 into a family of four sisters; Shirley, Bonnie, Sharon and Terry. He was always our “little brother.” John was just 12 years old when our mother died, and he moved to the Grand Rapids area to live with Terry and her family. He graduated from Grandville High School in 1975 and then joined the U.S. Army where he honed his amazing mechanical skills. There was nothing he couldn’t fix when it came to engine repairs.
After the Army, he moved back to his roots to live with his beloved grandmother, Clara, in Elk Rapids, Michigan, where he met his future wife, Mona (White) Nemec and her young daughter, Heather Marie. They were married in November, 1982.
In the early years of his marriage, he worked for Don Centille of H&D Service in downtown Elk Rapids. He was a friend to whomever he met, young or old. His next career was driving oil trucks. He delivered for Crystal Flash for 18 years servicing marinas, commercial, and residential accounts. His customers loved him and his outstanding service.
John and Mona had a love of music and always had one of the best stereo systems available. They also shared their love of animals with their Shih Tzu, Gibbs, holding the last place of honor. He was an avid college football fan, especially U of M. He and his nephew and best friend, Randy, would have many lively phone conversations during the commercials. I would be remiss if I did not also include his love of No Bake chocolate cookies.
He and Mona loved to travel. Heather grew up traveling with her mom and stepdad on their excursions from the Florida Keys to Mackinac Island. He and Mona had planned on buying a travel trailer to see more of the country but health issues prevailed.
John will always be remembered for his kindness, patience and gentle nature. He had a sharp sense of humor and keen wit, and he could hold his own with anyone. He was deeply loved and is already missed by all who knew him. “Rest well little brother until we meet again.”
Left to remember John are his sisters Bonnie Sobbry and her son, Randy Huff, of Traverse City, Terry (Gary) Benton of Byron Center, stepdaughter Heather (Rob) Romano and grandchildren Justin, Tyler and Olivia of Saint Joseph, and father-in-law David White of Kewadin.
John was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mona, parents Jack and Lena Ferrell, sisters Shirley Green and Sharon Sobbry, nephew Billy Huff, and mother-in-law Georgianna White.
Cremation has taken place. A memorial service in celebration of John and Mona’s lives will be held on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at Amvets Post 114 in Elk Rapids from noon-2:00 p.m.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Covell Funeral Home of Elk Rapids,
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