In Memory of

Fernie

Lane

Obituary for Fernie Lane

LaFern Marie “Fernie” Lane, age 87, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Jefferson City Nursing and Rehab.

Fernie was born on August 12, 1935, in Fruitland, Mo., the daughter of Clarence Pearl and Dorothy Ellen (Webb) Morton. She grew up in southeast Missouri and was a 1953 graduate of Jackson Senior High School in Jackson, Missouri.

In 1954 Fernie married Earl Wilson Stovall and from this marriage her two children were born. On September 12, 2009, she married Dale Leroy Lane at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Jefferson City, Mo. She treasured their relationship until Dale passed away on March 22, 2016.

Fernie held various secretarial positions in Jackson, Mo., initially working for Jackson Oil before transitioning to roles at the First Presbyterian Church and the Chamber of Commerce. She relocated to Jefferson City and began her career with the Missouri State Highway Patrol working out of their General Headquarters Office. She was employed as a Criminal Records Clerk for almost 15 years until her retirement.

A woman of unwavering faith, Fernie was active in churches in both Jackson and Jefferson City. She held membership at the First Presbyterian Church in Jackson and found joy in serving on their welcoming committee, ensuring that new members felt at ease. This role was a perfect fit for Fernie, who effortlessly connected with people from all walks of life. Fernie was a member of the Jackson Jaycees and indulged in playing cards as part of several Bridge groups. When she moved to Jefferson City, she became a member of Wesley United Methodist Church. At both churches, she was involved in church groups and singing in their choirs. She kept herself busy and was committed to her faith and community.

Fernie possessed a nurturing nature and cherished spending time with young children. She also had a passion for travel and had the good fortune of visiting numerous destinations with her family, including New England, the Grand Canyon, Mexico, and even embarking on an Alaskan Cruise. During her children's younger years, they particularly enjoyed visiting Branson, with its attractions like Table Rock Lake and Silver Dollar City. Gardening and receiving flowers brought her joy, and she took pleasure in reading books, staying up-to-date with the latest hair styles, and collecting souvenir handbells.

Above all, Fernie held an unwavering love for her family and consistently demonstrated her steadfast support for them. She never missed any family activities and events, taking pride in being a dedicated military mom, supporting Steve in his career. Her warm smile and sociable nature effortlessly drew in family and friends.

Survivors include: son, Steven Stovall (Sandy) of Diamondhead, Ms.; three step-daughters, Nancy Kay Lane of Jefferson City, Mo., Pamela Wheeler of Jefferson City, Mo. and Beth Ann Pickard of Blue Springs, Mo.; two grandchildren, James Logan Stovall II (Erin), and Erin Jessica Cox (Derrick); four great-grandchildren, Gabriel Stovall, Grace Cox, Colton Cox, and Emery Cox; six step-grandchildren, Heather Peters (Tracy), Jennifer Jorgensen (Cory), Amy Wheeler, Matthew Wheeler (Tabitha), Sydney Pickard, Meredith Pickard; seven step-great-grandchildren; one step-great-great-grandson; sister-in-law, Mary Morton; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale; parents, Clarence and Dorothy Morton; daughter, Kerri Dawn Parks; five siblings, William Morton and his wife Dorothy, Robert Morton, Marjorie Frost and her husband Roy Brown, Ronald Morton and his wife Diane, and Nelson Morton and his wife Carol; step son-in-law, Kim Wheeler; and step-grandson, Christopher Wheeler.

Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2023.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2023, in the Freeman Chapel with the Reverend Steve Blacksher officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Riverview Cemetery.

A webcast of Fernie’s service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday for friends that are not able to attend by going to her memorial page on Freeman Mortuary’s website.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Wesley United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association by mailing contributions to P.O. Box 95, Jefferson City, Mo., 65102.

Funeral arrangements are under the care of Freeman Mortuary, 915 Madison St, Jefferson City, MO 65101.