Fern Elizabeth McDowell, 90, of Westminster, died peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019. Formerly of Salina, Kan., she moved to Westminster in 2017 to be near family. Fern was born Feb. 1, 1929, in Russell, Kan., to Jacob Roy and Elizabeth Strecker Wolf. She graduated from Russell High School in 1947 and moved to Salina to attend Brown Mackie College.

Fern was a devout Christian and a worthy matron of Eastern Star. She married Lawrence “Buzz” McDowell in 1951. They lived an adventurous and fulfilling life. Fern loved family! Weekends with their young daughters were spent camping, fishing and water skiing. And time spent with her grandsons was especially precious. Together Fern and Buzz spent over 20 years as over-the-road truckers. As active members of many motorcycle clubs, Fern loved riding behind Buzz on the motorcycle.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lawrence “Buzz” McDowell; and brother, Rex Wolf.

Fern is survived by three daughters, twins, Sherry and Sheryl McDowell, and Coleen (Jeff) Sly; twin grandsons, Andrew and Brandon Sly; sister, Lois “Jean” Starbuck; and sisters-in-law, Marilyn Brown and Vonna Wolf.

“As you think, so you are.” ~ Fern E. McDowell

A funeral service celebrating Fern’s life will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 23, at Ryan Mortuary, Salina, Kan., with visitation from 9:30 a.m. until service time.

Fern would like memorial donations be made to The American Legion Riders Post 62 (in care of the VFW Post of Salina) or Salina Animal Services, in care of Ryan Mortuary, 137 N. Eighth St., Salina, KS 67401.