Fern M. Tedstrom, 91, of Parsons passed away at 6:35 a.m. Tuesday, April 27, 2010, at the Presbyterian Manor in Parsons where she had resided since September 2007.

She was born May 14, 1918, near Dennis to Alva and Rose Anna (Cooper) Stevenson. She grew up and attended schools near Dennis, including one year at Dennis High School. She also attended Labette County Community High School in Altamont. Prior to marriage, she worked as a caregiver for numerous families.

She and Melvin W. “Swede” Tedstrom were married March 30, 1939, in Independence. Following marriage, they lived and farmed near Mound Valley where they raised three daughters. The couple moved from the family farm to Parsons in 1985.

She was a member of the Mound Valley Christian Church, where she served as pianist for many years. Music, especially piano, was a vital part of her life from early childhood. She and her brothers entertained at numerous dances, and she played the piano for weddings and other social functions. She passed this love of music on to her family.

Fern enjoyed quilting, dancing, gardening and meeting with her Laugh-A-Lot Club members. She proudly served on a committee to name Meadow View Grade School. Above all, she cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include two daughters, Janis Hansen and her husband, Kent, of Wichita and Sharon Klein and her husband, Dave, of Overland Park; six grandchildren, Cheryl Brees, David Brown, Kyle Hansen, Keri Hansen, Jennifer Coon and Theresa Hurd; 10 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin “Swede” Tedstrom, on Dec. 20, 2007; her daughter, Joyce “Joy” Brown, on Nov. 28, 2004; and five brothers.

The service will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Mound Valley Christian Church. Burial will be in Mound Valley Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Parsons.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Parsons Presbyterian Manor or the Mound Valley Christian Church. These may be left at or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 374, Parsons, 67357.

Online condolences may be left at www.forbeshoffman.com.