Obituary of Fern Lorraine Carlson

April 21, 1926 – May 10, 2012 Fern L. Carlson died May 10, 2012 after a long battle with cancer. She was 86. Born Fern Lorraine Chambers to Rachel and Lesley Chambers in Niche, North Dakota, she was the youngest of four children. After graduating from high school, she attended Jamestown College in Jamestown, North Dakota, where she majored in education. Fern met her husband, Lewis John Carlson, while in college. Upon graduation, they married and moved to Shelton, Washington, where Fern started her teaching career and gave birth to their two sons. After a brief stay in St. Paul, Minnesota, Fern and Lew settled in Camas, Washington in 1962. After raising their two sons for a few years, Fern started her teaching career with the Camas School District in 1967. She taught seventh and eighth grade at James David Zellerbach Middle School for 25 years. After her retirement, Fern enjoyed traveling with her husband to Europe especially Norway and across the United States, attending a number of Elderhostels. She dedicated her time to volunteering for the Camas Parks Board, serving as a member of the Camas-Washougal Soroptimists and supporting the Camas United Methodist Church. Fern's passions were her love for Jesus Christ and dedicating her life to living her Christian faith. Fern was preceded in death by her sisters, Phyllis Penberthy and Elaine Kupper and her brother, Russell Chambers. Survivors include her husband of 62 years, sons Duane Janice of Lake Oswego, Oregon and Jim Sue of Vancouver, Washington and many dear friends. Fern's memorial service will be held Thursday, May 17, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Camas United Methodist Church 706 NE 14th Avenue, Camas, Washington. Memorial contributions may be made to the Camas-Washougal Soroptimists P.O. Box 621, Camas, WA 98607. To send condolences or to sign the online guest book please visit www.straubsfuneralhome.com