Ferne V. Meeker, 94, died Thursday, October 7, 2010 at Covington Heights Nursing Home, Sioux Falls. Ferne was born September 17, 1916 at Arlington, SD to Henry and Carolina (Gaulnitz) Swenson. She graduated from Arlington High School in 1934 and from Sculer Beauty School in 1935. Ferne was married to Lawrence Meeker on June 16, 1938 at Mitchell, SD. She worked at the OK Beauty Shop for seven years and then owned and operated Deutsch Clothing Store in Flandreau for 45 years with her husband. They retired in 1980 and continued to make their home in Flandreau while wintering in Brownsville, TX. Her husband preceded her in death on May 14, 1999. She was a resident at Green Leaf Assisted Living in Flandreau. Ferne was a member of Second Presbyterian Church, the Order of the Eastern Star and she liked boating at Lake Campbell and bowling.

Ferne is survived by one daughter, LeAnn Mae Meeker, Watertown, SD; three grandchildren, Bob Paulsen (Sherri Rehfeld), Hampton, VA, Brad (Wendy) Paulsen, Sioux Falls, Deborah Paulsen, Orlando, FL and three great-grandchildren, Zach, Madison and Mylie. She was preceded in death her husband, parents, four brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services will be 10:30 am Tuesday at the Second Presbyterian Church with burial in Union Cemetery. Visitation is from 4:00 – 7:00 pm Monday at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Flandreau.