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January 2009

Ferris brought joy to everyone she touched

Sarah (Blanche) Ferris was born in Willcox, Arizona on April 27, 1935. She was the youngest of seven children born to Alma (Brown) and Joseph Wootan. Her siblings were Arthur, Harold and Roy (deceased) and she is survived by Dora, David and Gerald. Blanche married Delle Ferris on February 9, 1952. Before Delle’s graduation from Arizona State College and the ROTC program, Delle and Blanche had two children, Dennis and Debby. Eighteen months later she gave birth to Lynn and the Ferris family was complete. The Ferris family enjoyed their military life and lived all over the world until 1975 when the second phase of their life began again in Arizona. Blanche was an accomplished wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, role model, life coach, mentor, hostess, artist, tennis player, musician, golfer, seamstress, cook, antique collector and gardener. Blanche was the thread that held the family fabric together. She was a person who lit up every room she entered and brought joy to everyone she touched. Blanche was the person we should all aspire to be. Blanche passed away on Sunday December 14 at the age of 73 after a courageous 6 1/2 year battle with cancer. She was as gracious, selfless and loving through this difficult battle as she was her entire life. She was truly “one in a million”. Blanche is survived by her loving husband Delle, her daughters, Debby and Lynn, and will join her son, Dennis, in heaven. Her grandchildren, Kurt, Anthony, Nicole, Alexander and Andrew are all better people because of the influence of this great lady. Her great granddaughter, Ainsley, will know her as we did, through our many wonderful memories. A memorial service was held on Friday, December 19 at the Paradise Valley United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014. They can also be made at www.hov.org.

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