WEATHERLY, Fern M.

Fern M. Weatherly, age 61, our golden ray of sunshine passed from us December 13, 2002 at Good Samaritan Medical Center after a brief battle with cancer. She joined our Heavenly Father so that she might shine her love brightly from the heavens above. Her love, her strength, her joy, and her beautiful smile will remain with us forever. Born April 15, 1941 in Childress, Texas, she lived a life of love and laughter. She leaves a legacy of love, warmth, humor, forgiveness, and compassion. After attending high school in Childress, she attended Frank Phillips College in Borger, Texas, where she excelled at mathematics and physics. She was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Fraternity. In 1973, Fern and her family moved to Casa Grande, Arizona, here she and former husband, Dean Weatherly, owned and operated Radio Station KPIN for eleven years. From 1986 through 1994, Fern managed Teamwork Temporary Service in Casa Grande and worked closely with many local businesses. Fern married Steve Pantoja in 1993. Fern was a member of the Casa Grande Chamber of Commerce, Casa Grande Regional Medical Center Auxiliary, and the Casa Grande chapter of Beta Sigma Phi. She was also active in the PTA and participated on many committees dedicated to improve student safety and increase the quality of education in the Casa Grande school systems. Fern's greatest passion in life was her love of her children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by daughter, Kim Benedict and her husband Brett, of Casa Grande; son Kevin Weatherly and his wife Margie of Calabasas, California, son Dr. Kristopher Weatherly and his wife Khrista of Springfield, Kentucky, and daughter Kandra Petersen and her husband Mark, also of Casa Grande. She is also survived by Steve Pantoja of Avondale, AZ, as well as a sister, Carolyn Conn and her husband Jerry of Hearne, Texas; and a brother, Ron Cawthon of Oklahoma City. She was preceded in death by her parents Walter C. and V. Rudene Cawthon of Amarillo, Texas. Her greatest legacy and her heart and soul will live on through her seven grandchildren; Bethany and Jennifer Benedict, and Christopher and Audrey Petersen, all of Casa Grande; Justin and Walker Weatherly of Calabasas, California; and John Weatherly of Springfield, Kentucky. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held Thursday, December 19, 2002, at 10:00 AM at The First Presbyterian Church of Casa Grande. Private graveside services will follow at 2:00 PM at the Casa Grande Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to City of Hope/Samaritan Bone Marrow Transplant Program, in care of Banner Health Foundation, 1441 N. 12th St., Phoenix, AZ 85006. J. Warren Funeral Services of Casa Grande is handling the arrangements. Published in the Arizona Republic on 12/18/2002.