Former Blair resident Fern English, 96, died Jan. 25, 2004, in Albuquerque, N.M. Cremation was held at Vista Verde Memorial Park in Rio Rancho, N.M.

Fern English was born May 23, 1907, in Fairfield to John and Addie (Ritchie) Dragoo. She attended school in Hastings, graduating from Hastings High School in 1924.

While living in Blair in the 1940s, she was a member of the First Methodist Church and the Order of the Eastern Star. She always called Blair home.

She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Ray E. and Doris English of Albuquerque; a daughter, Dixie Lee of California; seven grandchildren; two step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren and four step-great grandchildren; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Lloyd and Belle Dragoo of Hastings and Dick and Sal Dragoo of Hemet, Calif; Pearl Dragoo of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; several nieces, nephews, friends, and special friend, Ella Paulsen of Blair.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Vance; a sister, Lorraine; and three brothers, Dale, Nile and Alvin.