Ferol McClaren
Ferol E. McClaren, 90, passed to her heavenly home Oct. 25, 2024 at Pioneer Manor in Hay Springs, Neb. Ferol was born Feb. 22, 1934 in Pinewood, Minn.
Ferol was the third of five children born to Miles and Jennie Ousley. The Ousley children lost their Mom when they were young and were raised by various relatives and families.
Ferol graduated from Clearbrook High School in 1952. Following graduation she bought a bus ticket to Rapid City, S.D. Her sister Lorraine and Agnes Kline met her and she started her life in Custer, S.D. Ferol got a job waitressing at the Custer Cafe, later known as the Skyway Cafe. She loved being a waitress saying it felt good to have cash in her pocket.
It was during these early days in Custer that she met her true love, Joe McClaren. Joe and Ferol married Dec. 26, 1953 and celebrated 59 years of marriage.
In 1955 Joe and Ferol were blessed with their first son, Jeffery Charles. Bradley Joe followed in 1959 and Timothy Miles in 1965. Ferol was always proud of her boys and liked to say “My Three Sons.”
Ferol enjoyed reading, knitting and sewing, scrap-booking, watching sports on TV and spending time with family and friends. Ferol enjoyed listening to music and loved to dance. She was well known for her baking. Her family and friends loved when she shared her delicious goods. Ferol had many memorable card games with Ernie and Eloise Pepin, along with Tom and Linda Nelson—she was always up for a good game of cards.
Ferol was proud of her years of employment with the state hospital and later at the treasurers office in the Custer County Courthouse. Through Ferol’s contributions and personal achievement in the Custer Community she was very honored to be chosen as Grand Marshall for Gold Discovery Days. Ferol’s quiet wisdom and friendships will be missed by all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, Ferol was preceded in death by her husband, Joe; her siblings, Thelma, Darold, Darlene and Lorraine; infant granddaughters Marie and Cassandra; in-laws and other loved relatives.
Ferol is survived by sons, Jeff (Karen) of Raleigh, N.C., Brad of Hay Springs and Tim McClaren (Lori) of Hay Springs; grandchildren, Emily, Quinn, Chris, Charlie, Morgan, Marie, Jobe and Kyle; seven great-grandchildren; step-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and lifelong friends.
A service of remembrance will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, Nov. 1 at the United Methodist Church in Pringle, S.D. Interment will follow at Custer Cemetery.
Please join the family for refreshment and fellowship at the Pringle Fire Hall immediately following the service.
A memorial has been established for Pringle Fire Department or the Pringle Methodist Church. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337