Fern Courtney

Fern Courtney, 91, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend traveled to be with her Savior and beloved ones who had gone before her, at Holy Cross Hospital Sunday January 30th, with loved ones surrounding her. Fern was born in Safford, Az. To TJ and Corina Rex in 1919. She was the youngest of twenty children and continued to live a rich and youthful life until four days before her passing. She married the love of her life, Robert Courtney in 1935 and they were married for 70 years until Robert's death in 2005. Robert was a forester and Fern was his faithful companion as they traveled from forest to town as he was transferred many times. They lived and served on seven different forests from New Mexico to Idaho. Even though she was not paid, Fern often had to get fire crews together, serve as lookout, looking for fires, answer phones and host regional foresters and other employee sof the Forest Service. Fern also worked in retail sales. In Taos she was the manager of El Chico, the only dress shop in town. In Albuquerque she worked at Fedway, department store. In Gallup she worked at Sweetbrier Dress Shop. In Phoenix she was a buyer for Goldwaters Department Store. Fern started the homeless program in Phoenix in the 1980's. She worked diligently getting all religions and atheists to pull together to work on that program. The program now houses homeless in old hotels that they have purchased and gives job training ,provides clothing, shelter and food. Fern also worked hard in missions in the Methodist Church and in many other charitable organizations. Fern and Bob moved to Phoenix from Taos in 1961. When Bob died in 2005, Fern moved back to Taos to be near her daughter. She was preceeded in death by her husband, Robert and daughter, Merry Jean Hannafin. Survivors include daughter, Roberta Meyers,Taos; and son, Ronald Courtney (Jan), Austin, TX.; grandchildren, Ronnie M. Courtney, Desiree Johnson (Brad) of Dallas; Lacey Buscalia of Amherst NY; David Meyers of PragueCzech. Republic; Ralph and Rob Meyers of Taos; Sean Hannafin (Kathy), Courtney Hannafin (Elisibet) of Phoenix; Carrie Clark (Matt) of Denver; and seven great grandchildren. A memorial and celebration of Fern's life will be on Saturday February 12 at El Pueblito Methodist Church in El Prado at 1 pm with a reception to follow at Spirit Runner Gallery. In lieu of flowers please give a donation to the Mens Shelter 779-1133 or CAV at 758-8082.