Fern E. Navarre

Fern E. (Riker) Navarre, age 87, passed away at Sunset Village in Sylvania, Ohio, surrounded by her loving family, on February 13, 2017. Fern was born on March 31, 1929 in Toledo to Walter and Helen (Wilkins) Riker. She graduated from Whitmer High School. She worked at Riker Manufacturing, a family business, where she met the love of her life, George W. Navarre. George and Fern were married on May 28, 1955 and they shared a very loving marriage, full of laughs, for over 56 years, until George’s death in 2011. In addition to raising three children, they spent their time traveling, golfing and entertaining. She also enjoyed painting, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren. Fern is survived by her children, Pamela (Gary) Beavers, Thomas (Melanie) Navarre, and Steven Navarre. She is also survived by her sisters, Ida Gross and Doris Spalding; sister-in-law, Marian Sillery; granddaughters, Jennifer (Neal) Applin, Kristen (Wes) Burroughs, Erin Lanham, Kelsey Navarre, Meagan Navarre; eight great-grandchildren; and other loving relatives and friends, including Mary Beck, her best friend for over 80 years. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, L.D. Riker, Floyd Riker; and infant daughter, Karen Marie. Visitation will be held from 3-8 p.m. Friday in the Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave. (west of Corey Rd.) where funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 18, 2017. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park. Memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Northwest Ohio, 30000 E. River Rd., Perrysburg, OH 43551 or the Alzheimer’s Association, 2500 N. Reynolds Rd., Toledo, OH 43615.