Dr. Fern Bishop passed away on October 27, 2024, in Bradenton, FL, after a lengthy illness.
Fern was born on September 22, 1944, in rural Edgewood, Iowa, to Wayne L. Kenny and Lula F. (Harbaugh) Kenny. Fern and Robert Bishop had 2 children, Brian Bishop and Jeffrey Bishop.
Fern graduated with her Doctorate from Vanderbilt University, Peabody College, in Nashville, TN, in 1996. She earned her master's degree from the University of Iowa, Iowa City, in 1984, her bachelor's degree from Mount Mercy College, Cedar Rapids, IA, in 1981 (summa cum laude), and her associate's degree from Kirkwood Community College, Cedar Rapids, IA, in 1979.
Fern worked several jobs before settling into her career as Director of Financial Aid at Henderson Community College in Henderson, KY, from 1984 to 2011. After her retirement in 2011, she worked part-time as Director of Counseling Services/Academic Success Coach at Henderson, 2012-2013. Although Fern was born and raised in Iowa, she spent more than half of her life in Kentucky, and it truly became her home.
Over the years Fern held various offices and chaired several projects for the Cedar Rapids Jayceettes, Wisconsin and Iowa Veterinary Auxiliaries, East Iowa Ski Club, and the Iowa State Educational Association.
Fern enjoyed gardening (particularly her flowers), reading, collecting, canoeing, dancing, fishing, skiing, and golf. She also loved birds and animals, especially dogs and horses. Fonzy, Katie and Reba were her dear fur babies over the years.
Family was very important to Fern, and she often wished they all live closer to one another. She was a wonderful Mother.
She was preceded in death by her parents and brother. She is survived by her sister Ruth (Gary) Helland of Norwalk, IA, and her children Brian (JoAnna) Bishop of Highlands Ranch, CO, and Jeffrey Bishop of Bradenton, FL. Grandchildren; Andrew James (A.J.), Lauren, Lily, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
There will be a memorial service at a later date in Henderson, KY.
Donations in memory of Fern may be given to: American Lung Association, 55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150, Chicago, IL 60601; American Heart Association, P. O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX 75284-0692; Preston Arts Center, 2660 S. Green Street, Henderson, KY 42420; Humane Society of Henderson County,,203 Drury Lane, Henderson, KY 42420; or New Hope Animal Rescue, 526 Atkinson Street, Henderson, KY 42420.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34207, is in charge of arrangements.
