Ravenna Marie Ferrel

Ravenna Marie Ferrel, 98, of Walla Walla passed away October 6, 2011, at Washington Odd Fellows Home.

Ravenna was born on August 20, 1913, the daughter of Louis A. and Lucy Lynn Porter in Pomeroy Wa. She was the third of seven children. She grew up in Pomeroy and graduated from Pomeroy High School in 1930. She met her future husband on a blind date and married David Carlton Ferrel on December 12, 1934. When her husband brought her home to meet his mother, Ravenna knew that his ranch on Russell Creek was the place where she wanted to spend the rest of her life. Together the couple made their home on the family ranch and had two children, James C. Ferrel and Nancy L. Radke. She embraced life as a ranch wife and mother, tending the chickens, growing the garden and keeping the books. She loved to dance, swim, bake and spend time with her family. She cooked for a harvest crew of 16 to 20 people for several years.

Survivors include her daughter Nancy Radke of Kirkland; brother, Loren Porter of Lewiston; daughter in-law, Kaye Ferrel of Walla Walla; five grandchildren, Greg (Terri) Ferrel and Gary (Lynn) Ferrel of Walla Walla, Ryan Radke of Puyallup, Nolan (Gail) Radke and Allison (Mark) Miller of Kirkland; ten great-grandchildren; sixteen nieces and nephews; and several other relatives. Her husband, David Carlton Ferrel, son, James C. Ferrel, brothers, Alvin and Floyd Porter, sisters, Celeste Parker, Leona Bishop and Myrn Bartles, son in-law Walter Radke, and dear friend Cecil Waldrip all preceded her in death.

Viewing & visitation will be held on Monday, October 10, 2011 from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, Washington. The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 10:00 AM also at the funeral home with Rev. Steve Morris officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Walla Walla Community Hospice or Charity of Choice through the funeral home.