Fern Mae Moist

Fern Mae Svatos was born March 9, 1927 in Geddes, South Dakota, the fourth of six children. She spent most of her childhood years in the small town of Geddes, moving to Portland, Oregon with her family in the middle of World War II at the age of 16. She graduated from Franklin High School in 1945. She was active in the Mazamas mountaineering club and climbed Mt. Hood twice. In October 1950 she married the love of her life, Don Moist. They were happily married for 56 years and had two children, Denise and Cary. Fern dedicated her life to raising her children until her husband decided to go into business for himself. She prepared herself for re-entering the work world by first going to work for Dale’s Draperies. Then she and Don purchased Beaumont Market where she became chief checker and second in command next to her husband. After two years of hard work they turned the store into a thriving business but ultimately decided this was not their dream life. Fern then went to work for Tradewell and Prairie Market stores where she finished out her formal working career as a grocery checker. She continued to dedicate her life to serving her family and those around her who needed her help. She spent many hours extending care and support to her husband and other aging family members. Throughout her life, Fern enjoyed many hobbies including sewing, quilting, gardening, and antiquing. She was an active member of the Gresham Glass Club for many years and had an extensive collection of glassware. Fern and Don also enjoying golfing. They were members of the Pleasant Valley Golf Club for 23 years where Fern was active in the Ladies 9-holers club and served a term as President. They moved their membership to Persimmon Country Club to join their son, Cary, where they were members for 5 years. After her husband, Don, passed way in 2006, Fern continued to stay active. She joined a senior’s fitness program at the local athletic club and played pinochle with groups at the Seniors Center and at a local church. Fern went home to be with the Lord on October 19, 2014 at the age of 87. She is survived by her daughter Denise Litzinger and husband Doug, her son Cary Moist and wife Lonna, her three grandchildren Kim, Wendy, Ryan and wife Jamie, and three great-grandchildren Drake, Grace, and Cody. Service Information