Thelma 'Irene" Ferry-Torres

Hiawatha, KS...Irene Ferry-Torres, passed away peacefully July 7, 2026 at Maple Heights Nursing Home in Hiawatha, at the age of 88.

Thelma Irene Watts was born in Pawnee City, Nebraska, Nov. 21, 1937 to Robert [Speck] Watts and Mildred [Millie] Reed Watts. As a young girl they moved to Robinson, KS where she attended school and graduated in 1955. While there she was active in band, chorus, cheerleading and she was a majorette.

After graduating she moved to Topeka and attended Clarks Business School and became a legal secretary for the law firm McCullough, Wareheim and LaBunker. While living in Topeka she met Rafael Ferry-Torres and knew he was The One. They married October 20,1956 and were together 66 years until his passing February 4, 2022. She was a Kelly Girl in Wichita and worked at The Bank of Horton and retired from BCDS in Hiawatha. She enjoyed playing Bridge, Canasta, board games and traveling with her Sisters and Brothers in law. [Her Best Friends]

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ray, son Michael Nov. 27, 2023, granddaughter Mindy and sister Joyce Watts.

She is survived by her daughters Debbie Estes [Terry], Becky Ferry-Torres [Randy], grandsons Daniel and Brian [Missy], great grands Hailey [Austin], Amie [John], Brock, Ryan, Hailey and Kaitlyn. Sisters Janice Owens [Bill], Bonnie Torkelson [Allen] and Linda Nigus, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends

Memorial Services planned for Aug 8th at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha. Family Visitation will be at 10 am, Service at 1030, with burial to follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, Robinson. Lunch will follow at the Carwell Building 301 E Iowa St Hiawatha.  

Friends may sign the register book August 6 & 7th prior to services during office hours.

Memorial contributions are suggested to BCDS (Brown County Developmental Services) sent in care of the funeral home, 124 S 7th St., Hiawatha 66434.

www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com

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