Fern Dunahue was preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Bob", her son Gary and all 12 of her older siblings. She passed into the hands of her Lord and Savior on March 20, 2024.

Fern Delores Dunahue (nee MClanaan) was born in Farmington, Missouri on Oct. 20, 1929. She was the youngest of 13 children. She loved to tell stories of growing up on the family farm and riding to the one room schoolhouse on her beloved horse, Smokey, with her brothers and sisters.

After graduating fifth in her high school class, Fern went on to attend College of Cosmetology, where she earned a 100 % on the licensing exam. It was in her position as a beautician she met her future husband, Robert "Bob" Lee Dunahue.

Fern and Bob were married on Sept. 1, 1949, after Bob finished his stint in the U.S. Navy, they settled in Overland, Missouri. Fern gave birth to three boys, Robert II "Bobby" (Mary), Gary and Steve (Janet) Dunahue.

Fern was a dedicated Christian and made sure her family grew up in the church. She taught Vacation Bible School, coordinated the Mother/Daughter Banquets, served at church dinners, and throughout her life sang a strong alto in the church choir. Her most treasured responsibility was Prayer Captain, as she knew the Lord answers prayer.

Fern was intelligent, talented and athletic. She played varsity volleyball for three years in high school and was the top first place trophy winner in the church bowling league. She must have passed on her athleticism to her boys, as all three have been inducted into the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. Due to her immense knowledge of baseball, she was asked to speak at the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame banquet. She was an avid Cardinal fan; never missing an opportunity to see a game and share her love of the team with anyone she could.

Fern is survived by two sons, Bobby (Mary) and Steve (Janet), six grandchildren (four of whom she helped raise), five great-grandchildren, twenty-six nieces and nephews, sixty great nieces and nephews and a multitude of great, great nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation at Ortmann's, 9222 Lackland Rd. Overland, Fri., March 29, from 9-11 a.m. Service at 11 a.m. Interment Mt. Lebanon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to United Fellowship Baptist Church appreciated.

Ortmann Stipanovich Funeral Home           osfuneralhomes.com