Ferne M. Furman, age 99, of Valley View, passed away Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at Green Valley
Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Pottsville.
She was born on Wednesday, September 3, 1924, in Valley View, a daughter of the late Ralph A.
Schwalm and the late Annie M. (Snyder) Schwalm.
She was a 1942 graduate of the former Hegins Township High School and a graduate of Central
Penn Business School.
Ferne assisted her late husband with his dental practice prior to their retirement.
She was a member of St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Valley View.
Ferne taught Sunday School and Bible School; was a former member of the Eastern Star, Tri-
Valley Senior Citizens, and the Schuylkill Dental Association Auxiliary; and volunteered for
American Red Cross blood drives and the Tri-Valley Free Public Library. She enjoyed knitting,
crocheting, cooking, baking, reading, playing cards, and spending time with her family and
friends.
Her husband of 59 years, Dr. Wallace W. Furman, passed away in 2006. She was also preceded
in death by two sisters, M. Irene Miller and Orpah N. Romberger, and two brothers, Dr. Glenn P.
Schwalm and Dr. R. Ivan Schwalm.
She is survived by a daughter, Anne J. Usuka, and her husband Devyn of Schuylkill Haven; a
grandson, Karl W. Usuka of Schuylkill Haven; and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside committal service will be held at Friedens Cemetery, Hegins, on Tuesday, June 4,
2024, at 11:00 a.m., with Rev. Suzanne Elliott officiating.
Memorial services will be held on Monday, June 17, 2024 at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, Valley View, with Rev. Suzanne Elliott officiating. Visitation will be from10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Andrew's United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 221,
Valley View, PA 17983, or to the Tri-Valley Free Public Library, 633 E. Main St., Hegins, PA
17938.
Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Inc., Valley View, is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences can be left for the family at
www.buffingtonreed.com
.