Francis “Fern” Custer, 85, of rural Iuka, Illinois passed away at 9:15 am December 15, 2020, at her residence.
Fern was a devoted homemaker and a faithful member of the Iuka United Methodist Church She loved visiting friends, eating out, working puzzles, and volunteering for a sewing group producing quilts for those in need.
Private family graveside services will take place on Friday at the Romine Church of the Brethren Cemetery. There will be no public visitation. Family attending are to wear a mask and practice social distancing. Memorials may be made to the Donor’s choice and will be accepted by the Sutherland – Rankin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 97, Salem, IL 62881 (618) 548-1234, entrusted with the family’s care. Online condolences may be left at sutherlandfuneralhome.com.
She was born January 27, 1935, at Bloomfield, Missouri to Norman and Lucille Rankin. Fern married Ralph Custer on June 14, 1958, in Salem.
In addition to her beloved husband of 62 years, she is survived by her sons, Richard (Sherrie) Custer of Whitmore Lake, MI, Keith Custer of Mt. Vernon, IL, Steven (Martina) Custer of Belleville, IL, and Scott (Kitty) Custer of Lakeland, FL. along with grandchildren Brandon, Allen, and wife Shawnna, Tanya and husband Cody, Lindsay, and Jack, along with great-grandchildren Kira, Kenzie, Brandon Robert, Gracie, and Max.
Also left to mourn Ferns passing are her siblings Charles Rankin of Ullin, IL, Gailen “Jake” Rankin of Salem, IL, Joyce Heyduck of Centralia, Nida Woodfall of Mt. Vernon, IL and sisters-in-law Faye, Becky, and Judie Rankin and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by brothers Edward, Dallas, and Landon Rankin, and brother-in-law Bill Woodfall.
