Heath L. “Hefty” Ferrie, 96, of Russell, PA., and a resident of the

Rouse Warren County Home, Youngsville, PA., died there

peacefully, Wednesday, November 16, 2016. He was born

October 3, 1920 in Warren, PA. Hefty was the last of 7 children,

of John William Heath and Anna Louise Fladry Ferrie.

Hefty attended Hatch Run Road School and graduated from

Warren High School Class of 1939. He entered the Army Air

Corps in August 29, 1942, stationed in Ft. Worth, TX, where he

was an airplane electrical mechanic for the B-24 Liberator.

Following military service he worked for several years on

different construction projects throughout the area, including the

construction of Eisenhower High School. He then accepted a

position as electrician at G.T.E. Sylvania, where he worked for 27

years. While there he earned the nick name “Ace” due to his

ability to be able to repair anything. In 1981, Sylvania awarded to

him the Morris Felton Lacroix Certificate for Meritorious Service.

He was a member of the Russell United Methodist Church for

over 60 years. He was a faithful member, who served as a trustee

for many years. He was proud when asked to chair two

remodeling projects, and building a new Sunday School building,

Wesley Hall, which today also serves as a daycare for the area

children and a meeting place for many groups. He currently

belongs to the Samuel Derby American Legion Post 556 in

Frewsburg, N.Y. He was a trustee of the Pine Grove Cemetery

Association for many years. He enjoyed being a member of the

Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, Pine Grove Lions Club, Retired

G.T.E. Sylvania Tuesday morning Peppermill Breakfast Group,

and meeting cousins & nephews Wednesday’s for lunch at Burger

King, while health permitted active participation.

Heath enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening. The peak year,

he had a large vegetable garden, and 1700 mum plants, which he

sold at the Warren Farmers Market. As years passed, the gardens

were smaller but continued until he was 93 with a raised bed in

the back yard. While working on his family farm, they had a 1923

Fordson Tractor. He always longed to have one of his own in

later years. He and his son found one which they enjoyed pulling

at tractor pulls. It was recently fully restored to its original

condition by his son, Dean. Hefty saw it running in full

operation, on October 24, 2016.

He instilled in his children a love of God, family, Country and

nature. He went with his family to church each Sunday. The last

two weeks each July, Hefty and Myrt loaded their three kids in

the station wagon, packed the camper and set out to explore

America. Some of the highlights were St. Louis Arch, Mt.

Rushmore, Kennedy Space Center, Grand Canyon and hand

catching catfish with his army buddy in Texas. Always making

sure the family stopped for a church service on Sundays. He

continued to enjoy rides with his children, when he was no longer

able to drive, and he was always the first to spot a deer.

He built his family’s home in Russell, PA., and enjoyed

woodworking in his shop. There he made toys & puzzles for his

grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Myrtle Anderson Ferrie

whom he married at First Lutheran Church, Warren, PA., on

November 12, 1949, 3 children – Kathleen Fithian and husband,

Brad of Russell, PA., Dean Ferrie of Boynton Beach, FL., Lynn

Ferrie of Orange Beach, AL., 3 Grandchildren – James Fithian and

wife, Amanda of Akeley, PA., Kristina Fithian of Boynton Beach,

FL., Thomas Ferrie of Orange Beach, AL., 1 Great Granddaughter

– Andrea Kathleen Fithian of Akeley, PA., several nieces and

nephews also survive.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 3 Brothers

– Stuart, Pat and Dennis Ferrie, 3 Sisters – Anna Mae Rowley,

Rachel Fox, Mary Lou Roberts.

Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304

East Street, Warren, PA., on Monday, November 21, 2016 from 2

to 4 and 6 to 8 P.M. A funeral service will be conducted Tuesday,

November 22, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at Russell United Methodist

Church with Rev. Jerome Kennedy, Pastor, officiating. Interment

will be in Pine Grove Cemetery where full military honors will be

conducted by members of the U.S. Army Funeral Detail and the

Clarendon/Sheffield V.F.W. Funeral Honor Guard.

Memorials may be sent to Russell United Methodist Church,

earmarked for Find Us Faithful, P.O. Box 28, Russell, PA. 16345 or

Hospice of Warren County, 1 Main Street, Warren, PA. 16365. E-

mail condolences may be sent by visiting

www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com