L. Ferne Lapora

L. Ferne Lapora, 96, of Sioux City died Friday, Jan. 4, 2008, at Countryside Retirement Home.

Services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Christy-Smith Berkemier Chapel, with the Rev. Janice Bennett, Pastor of Riverside United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m., and a prayer service at 7 p.m., at the funeral home.

Ferne was born on Nov. 27, 1911, in Mapleton, Iowa, the daughter of Harry and Jessie (Currie) Houchins. The family relocated several times during Ferne's early years. They then moved to Sioux City, and she graduated from Central High School in Sioux City in 1931. She had lived in Sioux City most of her life.

She married Edward H. Lapora in June of 1932 in South Sioux City. He died in May of 1963 in Sioux City. Ferne was a homemaker and housewife until her husband's death. She then became a school secretary at Washington Elementary School for 13 years, retiring in 1977.

She was a member of Riverside United Methodist Church as well as the church circle. She enjoyed fishing in addition to needlework and knitting afghans.

Survivors include two sons and their wives, Jerry and Anne Lapora of Sioux City and Don and Anne Lapora of Bellevue, Wash.; 10 grandchildren, Ronnie and wife, Helen Lapora, Jessie and husband, Dave Hicks, Debbie and husband, Mike Krysl, Anne Joedean Lapora, Lisa and husband, Robert Boucher, Don and wife, Kelly Lapora, Jill and husband, Douglas McClure, Walter and wife, Patty Max, Matt and wife, Theresa Max and Joel and wife, Lisa Max; 11 great-grandchildren; 29 great--great-grandchildren; and a great-great-great-grandson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and Wayne Max; two brothers; and three sisters.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie LaPora, Walter Max, Matt Max, Joel Max, Jim Adams and Jeff Calhoun.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Siouxland or Riverside United Methodist Church.