Fern May Samson, age 96, of Nevada, Iowa, died Saturday, January 16, 2016, at Story County Medical Center in Nevada.

 Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, January 22, 2016, at the First Christian Church in Nevada, with Pastor Anjeanette Perkins officiating.  Burial will follow in the Nevada Municipal Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church one hour prior to services. 

 Born in Nevada, Iowa, on October 8, 1919, Fern May Samson was the daughter of Joe and Chloe (Meyers) Van Sickle.  She grew up in Nevada and graduated from high school in 1937. She was united in marriage to Willard Samson on August 24, 1944.  This union was blessed with two children.

 Fern was an active member of the First Christian Church in Nevada, where she directed funeral luncheons for many years.  She was employed in the clerk’s office for the City of Nevada.

 Survivors include her daughter, Christine Baumann of Indianola; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; seven great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Morris Van Sickle of Nevada; a sister, Doris Samson of Nevada; her seven grandchildren; as well as many friends.

Fern was preceded in death by her husband in 1973; a daughter, Patricia Miller; a grandson, Jeff Thomas; her parents; two sisters, Inez Van Sickle and Mary Horine; and a brother, Joe Van Sickle.

 Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Fern and her family.