Fern B. Whisler

Fern B. Whisler passed away quietly and went to be with the Lord in her home on Tuesday, July 7, 2015, after a long illness. “Granny” was a very much loved mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was born September 2, 1926 in Dexter, NM. Fern grew up in Alamogordo, NM and moved to Roswell, NM for her senior year of high school. After high school Fern saved her money while working at the First Aid Station at White Sands Missile Range. The next year she got on the bus to Dallas, TX, to attend Baylor Nursing School where she received her RN. This was during WWII and the Cadet Nurse Corps had just been instituted. The Cadet Nurse Corps financed all of her nursing education. After nursing school she returned to NM and entered UNM to obtain a BS in Biology. At night she worked in the Student Health Center and went to classes during the day. After graduation she worked at Lovelace Medical Center (Bataan Memorial Hospital) and knew the original Lovelaces, LI and LII. At that time she worked in Orthopedics. It was at Lovelace Medical Center where she met her future husband, Gene W. Whisler, whom she married on May 18, 1956. In 1961 she switched careers and began working in Audiology at Lovelace Medical Center. She actually met and tested the original 7 Mercury astronauts. She retired in 1981. Fern and Gene Whisler loved to fish at the Chama Quality Waters, Lake Powell, and at the Lake of the Ozarks. Her home and her beloved ones’ homes are filled with her many beautiful oil paintings. Her favorite scenes to paint were New Mexico landscapes. The last year of her life was difficult but she was constantly surrounded by her friends and family. “Granny” was an incredibly strong and brave woman; she tackled her challenges head on with poise, dignity, and grace. Fern was preceded in death by her parents, Nola and David Buckner; four siblings; her husband, Gene Whisler; and her son, Bill Whisler. She is survived by her daughter, Sandra Whisler, MD, Sandra’s husband Robert Biefeld, PhD; and five grandchildren, Sean Biefeld and his wife Stephanie, Sharla Biefeld, Shyanne Biefeld, John Whisler, and Gene Whisler; and two great grandchildren, Luke and Logan Biefeld. Her remaining two siblings include Melba Coyne and Steve Buckner. The family would like to thank Charles North, MD, her primary physician who was always there for her and shared her love of reading. The family and Fern were especially blessed with three wonderful caregivers who were always compassionate and at her side, Ida Lazano, Lorraine Urban Dunn, and Marlin Johnston. The family would also like to thank Heritage Hospice and her nurse, Karen Caulder. Services will be Sunday, July 12, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at FRENCH – University.

Fern B. Whisler

September 2, 1926 - July 7, 2015