Obituary of Shirley Belle Ferris

Shirley Ferris (Strong), 83, of Willsboro, NY, passed peacefully at her home, March 2, 2023, following a lengthy illness. She was born in Reber, NY, May 15, 1939, the daughter of Carlton and Mertie (Wrisley) Strong. Shirley attended Albany Business School and worked as a bookkeeper for several years. Her skills were utilized at Mason's Lumber, Champlain Valley Veterinary Services (with Dr. Hagar), Janco's, Nelson's Flower Shop, Stafford, Owens, Trombley, Curtin, Murnane Esc., and lastly, Lake Forest Senior Living Community. She was an avid seamstress. Many people knew her "Fancy Stitches" logo. She enjoyed making personalized baby towels, aprons, quilts, and raised monies for the churches she worshiped at. Shirley was an active member of Willsboro United Church of Christ (Congregational) Church. She was formerly a member of Morrisonville Community Church where she participated in the choir. She enjoyed creating and singing in the "Songbirds" choir at Lake Forest with her close friend Dot (Dorothy) Crawford. They enjoyed girl's night out every Friday night at the Pizza Palace with their friends Jo Rocque and Mary Lou Lavigne. She enjoyed travelling to Hawaii and Cancun with her husband, Roger. They wintered in El Centro, California in their Motor Home meeting people from all over the US and Canada. Shirley was predeceased by her husband, Walter Phillips; her parents, Carlton and Mertie Strong; and brothers, Richard "Dick" and Ronald Strong. She is survived by her husband, Roger; children, Barbara (Robert Baker) of Walkertown, NC, JoAnna Gonyeau (Madeline Busch) of Cramerton, NC and Ian Phillips of Clifton Park, NY; step-sons Douglas Ferris (Mary) and Dale (Carrie) of Willsboro, NY; step-grandchildren, Vincent Ferris (Carolina) of West Covina, California, Joseph Ferris of Willsboro, NY, and Austin Ferris of New York City, NY. Calling hours will be held Monday, March 6, 2023, from 11 to 1 pm at the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru. A funeral service will follow at 2 pm at the Reber United Methodist Church. Burial will be held at a later date in the Reber Cemetery. Donations may be made in her memory to the Reber United Methodist Church, Morrisonville Community Church, Willsboro United Church of Christ, or the Fitzpatrick Cancer Center. Arrangements are in the care of the Hamilton Funeral Home, 294 Mannix Road, Peru, 643-9055. To make a floral purchase, offer an online condolence, share a symbolic gesture, or share a photo in memory of Shirley Ferris please visit www.hamiltonfuneralhome.com