MARTHA FERNE KINDELL

February 25, 1942 – May 29, 2022

Ferne was born on February 25, 1942 to Herman and Orene Towery, and although they named their first born Martha, she made the decision early on she would not be called Martha, opting instead to use her middle name. That act of decisiveness would be the first of many throughout her lifetime. She was known to have drive and determination but also the patience of a saint.

Ferne grew up in the Edison area, the oldest of nine siblings, attended Edison school, told stories of living in the boxcar house, and learned to play the violin. She went on to attend BHS, graduating in 1959, then onto graduating from Bakersfield College. Along the way she made lifelong friends and these ladies would later gather to commiserate about the trials and tribulations of having teenagers.

Ferne met and married her husband, Larry while attending BC. They shared over sixty years together and he was definitely her guy. After spending the first several years of her married life at home with her two children, and much to Larry's chagrin, Ferne decided a career was in her future, and without hesitation, she began her career in the Fiscal Services department of the Kern High School District in the spring of 1967. Aside from her taking a brief break in the early 80's, Ferne and Larry retired together in 2002.

After retiring, the open road was calling. They spent several years as full time RV'ers, settling eventually in Pismo Beach. Pismo became home to them. They lived life to the fullest surrounded by friends and family. If Ferne wasn't home, you could find her at the hair salon or somewhere shopping. Often times, purchasing several of the same items because running out of something was not an option.

Larry preceded her in death in 2020, but he came for his girl on May 29, 2022. Her first words to him were probably “Larry put your shirt on!” And then she most likely found her beloved sister Sharon and had a Pepsi. Our little Ferne will be missed by many and loved by all.

Ferne is survived by her son Mark Kindell and spouse Debbie, daughter Kristen Zaragoza and spouse Tony. She is also survived by her grandchildren Nikki Rojas and spouse Mario, Sarah Canby, Tori Lackey and spouse Brad, Marci Kindell, Marisa Zaragoza-Reed and spouse Spencer, and Phillip Zaragoza and partner Rigo Rios, and her great-grandchildren Gia, Brynn, Macy, Addison, Corbin, and Kain.

Mark and Kristen would like to thank the dedicated, kind, and caring staff of Kindred Hospice who provided Mom with the utmost level of professionalism and dignity.

Services will be Wednesday, June 15, 2022 at 9:00am at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Mortuary. All are welcome.