Obituary: Margaret Arline (Parkin) Ferris - Class of 1927

MADISON - Margaret Airline (Parkin) Ferris, age 87, died peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family Sunday, August 10, 1997. She was born on August 26, 1909 in Milwaukee, the daughter of Claire A. and Gwendolyn "Winnie" (Jones) Parkin. Margaret married William H. Ferris, Sr. on December 21, 1935. They would have celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in December. Margaret graduated from Brayton School, Central High School and the University of Wisconsin, Department of Physical Education. She taught school in Neenah from 1931 to 1935. She was a charter member of Heritage Congregational Church. Margaret was an avid golfer, and was a member of Nakoma Golf Course for over 25 years. She was active in PTA, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, Nakoma League, First Presbyterian Church of Janesville, Westminster Church of Madison, Meals on Wheels and many other community organizations. Survivors include her husband, William H. Ferris of Madison: four daughters, Gwen (Jerry) Splinter of Adams-Friendship, Susan (Jerry) Carter of Madison, Sally (Glenn) Kisch of Nashua, New Hampshire, and Mary (Ron) Ruble of Oregon, Wisconsin; a son, Tom Ferris of Madison; ten grandchildren, Jerry Splinter, Jr. of Milton, Debra (J.R.) Brimmer of Madison, Pam (Jeff) Johnson of North Freedom, Kristin (Dan) Eschrich of Chicago, Illinois, Rick (Kelli) Carter of Chicago, Illinois, Krista Kisch of Washington, D.C., Mike Kisch of St. Louis, Missouri, and Bob Ferris, Mike Ferris and Tricia Ferris, all of Madison, Wisconsin; five great grandchildren; four step-great grandchildren; two daughters-in-law, Connie Ferris Bailey and Aileen Ferris, both of Madison; a cousin, Charles Mohlke of Naples, Florida; an aunt, Helen Jones of Rapid City, South Dakota; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, William Ferris, Jr. (former Dane County Sheriff) in 1981; her parents; and a brother, Ralph C. Parkin. One of God's great servants, she devoted her life to caring for family and friends and her community. Her tiny body leaves us, but her mighty heart remains. Please join the Family at HERITAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, 3102 Prairie Road, on Wednesday, August 13, 1997 at 10:30 a.m, in a service of celebration. Burial will be in the Protestant Cemetery, Mazomanie at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 13, 1997. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Margaret's name to Heritage Congregational Church, or a charity of the donor's choice. Cress Funeral Home 3610 Speedway Road,

Originally published in The Capital Times on August 11, 1997. Submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968).

Note: Margaret Parkin's class year is based on information in the 1927 Tychoberahn, where she is listed among the graduating seniors. Additionally, her middle name is Arline; the "Airline" used in the above obituary is a typo in the newspaper obituary.