Mary Rebecca Ferris

Known to most in the Unitarian Church of Barneveld, as Becky.

Rebecca Ferris, 83, of Military Road, passed away on Monday, January 30, 2023.

She was born in Saginaw, Michigan on December 9, 1939 to O. William Habel and Mary Edith (Loveall) Habel. A lifelong learner, Becky’s higher education started at Michigan State University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in History.

Always in motion, Becky accomplished several lifetimes worth of work and affected lives all over the world. She ran The Schoolhouse Nursery for so long that she taught the kids of her earlier students. She sewed hundreds of quilts for Hospice, bagged tons of groceries for Foothills Food Pantry, and was an organizational force of nature at the Unitarian Church of Barneveld, Unity Hall, the Barneveld Library and Herkimer BOCES. She could get things done.

There was always music in Becky’s life. She played the radio really loud, sang in choirs, worked her saxophone chops, went to concerts, and supported live music and the arts with her time, talent and treasure.

Most importantly, Becky was devoted to her family, which extended far beyond actual relatives. Her house was open to anyone who needed a place to stay, a movie to watch, toys to play with, an ice skating partner or a chat. If you ever met her, no matter how briefly, you were pretty much guaranteed to receive cards, and possibly presents, every year.

She will be missed by her children; Laura Maynard, Julia Morrissey, Frederick Hiscock and Rachel Ferris; her six grandchildren, and a caring extended family. She was predeceased by her husband, Tim Ferris, and sons, Daniel Ferris and Joseph Ferris.

A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Church of Barneveld at 2 pm on Saturday, February 4, 2023, with a reception to follow. In lieu of sending flowers, please consider a donation to The Unity Hall Foundation.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Autenrith Funeral Home, Newport, New York.