Fern Estelle Harvey

Fern E. Harvey, 85, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away April 14, 2013, at the Northland Hospice House.

Fern was born December 21, 1927, in Boynton, Oklahoma, the daughter of Hugh T. Fisher and Ruth (Daniels) Fisher. She graduated from Morris Oklahoma High School, May 18, 1946. She married William Earl Harvey on her 21st birthday, December 21, 1948. Fern and Bill subsequently moved to Kansas City, Kansas, where they made their home until Bill's untimely death in 1975. Fern graduated from the University of Kansas, Florence Cook Department of Practical Nursing School, September 13, 1967. She was employed at KUMC as an LPN for 26 years before her retirement February 1, 1994.

While at KUMC, she was assigned on the original nursing team that opened the burn unit, was the first radiology department nurse and was on the infectious disease unit when HIV when first diagnosed and treated. Through her example and stories, she inspired two daughters, a grandson, a granddaughter and many nieces to become nurses. Fern was a member of the Mission Creek Baptist Church and the Order of Eastern Star. She enjoyed cooking, reading, puzzles, and spending time with her family and friends. She was especially proud of her grandchildren and cherished the time she spent with each of them. Fern was an avid gardener and very proud of her yard and gardens.

Fern was preceded in death by her husband William Harvey, her parents, Hugh and Ruth Fisher, two brothers, Everett Fisher and Kenneth Fisher, and one sister, Roxanne Ware.

Fern is survived by her children, Patrick C. (Linda) Harvey of Merriam, Kansas, Ruth Anne Streeter (Michael Holliday) of Valley Falls, Kansas, and Susan (Robert) Shaw of Platte City, Missouri; two siblings, Arlois Fisher of Baxter Springs, Kansas, and Kay Fisher of Morris, Oklahoma; grandchildren, James (Chenoa) VanBeber, William Streeter, Anne Harvey (Dan Eisenberg), Stacey Shaw and Claire Harvey; and one great grandchild, Caleb VanBeber.

A funeral services will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 17, 2013, at the Amos Family Funeral Home and Crematory. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m., prior to the service. Burial to follow at Oaklawn Cemetery, Olathe, Kansas.