Lois Ferne (Launius) Upchurch, 98, died on January 31, 2022, at Accura Healthcare Center of Ames. A private graveside service will be held at a later time at the Colo Cemetery.

Ferne was born April 21, 1923, in Benton, Illinois to William Riley Launius and Cora Belle (Hess) Launius. On September 1, 1943, she married Otho Bruce Upchurch in Dallas, Texas. Otho was stationed at Camp Fannin Army Base in Tyler, Texas. After World War II and Otho's return, they came to the Zearing, Iowa area to farm. They farmed until 1987 when they moved to Ames. While working on the farm, Ferne was active in the leadership of Story County 4-H and was a member of Community of Christ Church. After moving to Ames, for several years she was a volunteer at Mary Greely Hospital and remained active in her church.

Survivors include three daughters; Pam LaRoque (Dennis) of Davenport; Bev Simpson (Rod) of Ames; and Nita Upchurch (Gene Pedersen) of West Des Moines, eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, four sisters, two brothers, and one granddaughter.

Any memorials may be directed to the family or may be given to a charity of your choice in her memory.

Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com