Tribute

With heavy hearts, we share the peaceful passing of Fern Rehbein at Sunnybank Centre in Oliver at the age of 99.

Fern was born in Saskatchewan to Ralph and Gladys Johnson. She was the second of eleven children.

Fern was predeceased by her husband, Frank Rehbein, daughter, Gwen Kroll and son, Dennis Rehbein.

She is survived by sons, Frank (Pat) and Rodney (Chris); daughters, Rosanne (Bob), Maralynn (Steve) and Karen… as well as 14 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Fern married Frank in 1948 and then in 1959, they relocated to Summerland where they ran a gas station for a short time and then farmed for many years while raising their family. Fern pretty much ran the farm while Frank worked at the Cooperation. She loved animals, her garden and supporting the children in their activities whether it was sports, music or horseback riding. Later in life, they left the farm in Summerland and bought a little hobby farm in Oliver to be closer to family.

When the farm got to be too much, they moved into town where Fern became very involved in the Senior’s Centre. Her love for cards never wavered and she could play all day! Smear, Bridge and Cribbage were her favourites!

Fern was a lifetime member of the BC Fraternal Order of Eagles and spent countless hours volunteering, catering and socializing with them.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude and a big thank you to Dr. Evans, the nursing staff at the South Okanagan General Hospital as well as the staff at McKinney Place Extended Care and Sunnybank Centre for caring for Fern and making her comfortable in her last few months.

A celebration of life for Fern will be held at 3:00 pm, Saturday May 17, 2025 at the Oliver Seniors Centre.