Elnora Fern Tobiska was born July 13, 1923, to George Hagerman and Aletha Barrett Hagerman at Fort Morgan, Colo. Fern was the second of five children. She was preceded in death by her parents; her oldest brother, Orville; her younger brother, Jack of Thompson Falls, Mont.; and her husband of 68 years, Archy Tobiska. Fern is survived by her younger sister, Marion Bothman of Fairfield, Wash., and her younger brother Richard Hagerman of North Bend, Wash. Also surviving her are her three children with their spouses, Lois Starr (James) of Moscow, Larry Tobiska (Penny) of Wenatchee and Darla Snipe (James) of Sumoto Shi, Japan. There are seven grandchildren: Cristina Mullen of Seattle, Charles Mullen of Tucson, Ariz., Moneka Krouse of Connecticut, Georgina Tobiska of Twisp, Wash., Julia Tobiska of Seattle, Shane Snipe of Chicago, and Jay Snipe of Houston. She has eight great-grandchildren: Anya Puceta of Seattle, James Angelo Mullen of Tucson, Austin Krouse of Connecticut, Jasmine and Brandon Snipe of Chicago, Phoenix and Lucinda Doran of Twisp, and Michael Tibbetts of Twisp.

Fern grew up first in Forsyth, where she attended grade school. She later moved to Thompson Falls, Mont., with her parents, where she continued to attend school. While working for a woman in Eddy, Mont., she met the woman's brother and her future husband, Archy Tobiska. They were married June 12, 1941, and continued to abide in Thompson Falls, with a short detour to Coos Bay, Ore. After an interruption in their married life by Art's service in the U.S. Army Air Forces, they settled on a farm near Thompson Falls to raise their family, and moved into the town in 1951. They remained in Thompson Falls until the summer of 1961, when they moved to Moscow. They purchased a home at 1002 East F St., where Fern remained until her death.

Fern decided to remain in the home and raise her family, becoming active in all the activities of her children. She became a den mother, a bluebird leader, a 4-H leader, a seamstress, a caregiver, a hostess, and a guide for all kinds of life's situations.

Community service was always important in her life as were the arts. She enjoyed music, poetry, writing, and sketching. Sketches of family were most important to her. She became accomplished with her needlework, as evidenced by the tablecloths and bedspreads she made. Her latest family member (not human) was a Chihuahua named Sparky. Many have met him, and during the past four years he provided much needed companionship and comfort that only a pet provides.

Fern was cared for in her home the past 10 years and was able to celebrate her 90th birthday with friends and family on July 27, 2013, in her home. She passed away Aug. 1, 2013, at 10:15 p.m., at the Kindred Care facility at Aspen Park. She is already greatly missed.

A memorial service was held Monday, Aug. 5, at the Moscow Church of the Nazarene with Pastor Ed Eby presiding.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Short's Funeral Chapel, Moscow and online condolences may be sent to www.shortsfuneralchapel.com.