Roy Donald Ferris, age 86, resident of 23773 Mackey Hill Road, Cambridge Springs, PA passed away at his home on Sunday, April 20, 2014 of a short illness following a a two year battle with cancer. Born on July 3, 1927 at Ferris Corners, Rockdale Township, Crawford County, Don was a son of the late Roy D. Ferris and Florence Finney Ferris. He married the former Mary Ann Irlam on March 21, 1954, and she survives.
Don graduated from Cambridge Springs High School with the Class of 1945.He began working on the family farm in 1940 and continued dairy farming until 1984. He operated heavy equipment for both SPA Construction and C H Flaugh, both located in Cambridge Springs. For over 50 years, Don drove school buses for Penncrest School District as owner and operator of Don Ferris Bus Services and concurrently owned and operated his own gravel and excavating service ,also for over 50 years.
Don was a long time member of the Millers Station United Methodist Church and currently was a member of St. Pauls Evangelical Lutheran Church in Drakes Mills. He served as Rockdale Township Supervisor for several terms and enjoyed hunting, baseball, playing cards, and dancing. Don was a frequent spectator at his grandsons’ sports activities. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work and dedication to his family. Don was preceded in death by an infant daughter, a granddaughter – Katelyn Ferris who passed away in 1994; a sister – Pauline Burnley; and two nieces – Patti Jo Daniels and Cindy McKissock.
Included among survivors of Don are two daughters – Dorene (Rene) Ferris of Cochranton and Kimberely Ferris Puchacz and her husband, Steve of Waterloo, NY; a son – Randy Ferris and his wife, Diana of Cambridge Springs; two grandsons – Jarred and Jacob Ferris; a brother Max Ferris and his wife, Audrey of Cambridge Springs; and several nieces and nephews.
Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Tuesday, April 22, from 2-4 and 7-9 and are invited to attend funeral services there on Wednesday at 11:00 am with Reverend Brian Riddle, pastor of St. Pauls Lutheran Church, officiating. Interment will be in Millers Station Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the Yolando Barco Oncology Institute, 16792 Conneaut Lake Road, Meadville, or to Hospice of Crawford County, 448 Pine Street, Meadville, PA 16335.
Having grown up on Mackey Hill, Don drove my school bus for many years. My sympathy goes out to the family on his passing.
I am so sorry for your loss my condolences
Randy, please accept my sincerest sympathy for the loss of your father. I did not know your father very well, but he drove the bus when Robin Smith and I took our kids to swimming lessons at Edinboro. I always had good conversations with him.
Don has been a good neighbor for many years and so very helpful to my parents when they were still alive. He will be missed by many.
So sorry to here of your loss Your in our thoughts and prayers Dale and Crystal Cummings
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. It’s so hard to lose a loved one. Cherish all of your memories of him.
Our hearts go out to the family in this sad time. We pray for you all to find comfort and know that your friends and family will be by your side throughout. Mr Ferris was a lucky man to have all who loved him so much and he will continue to live within each of you, and you will be reminded of him and his personality by small things that occur and make you stop and think of him.
Sincere condolences, heartfelt sympathy and tight tight hugs.
Pati Jo and Brian