Opal LaFern “Fern” Trent, 92, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Saturday, February 25, 2017 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.

Fern was born on the family farm near Galatia, Kansas, to Ben and Bertha (Strecker) Keil, on March 28, 1924.  She was the sixth of ten children.

Fern married Dale Floyd Trent on November 6, 1973, in Tucumcari, New Mexico.  They resided in Fowler, Kansas, until his death on May 21, 1996.  After Dale’s death, Fern moved to Hays, Kansas, to be closer to her sister, Lucille Hall.  After Lucille’s death in 2008, Fern moved to Russell.  She spent 17 years as a Senior Companion in Hays and Russell before retiring in 2015.

Her hobbies included bowling, scoring four “300” games, horseback riding, embroidery work, and in the last few years dominos.  She enjoyed visiting with people and spent many Sunday afternoons visiting the nursing home and assisted living center.  Her compassionate heart and listening ears made her easy to talk with, but her strong independence, feisty nature and loving hugs made her a favorite to many.

Fern is survived by her brother, Glenn Keil of Russell, Kansas; lots of nieces and nephews; and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dale Trent; her parents; brothers Clarence Keil, Wayne Keil and Leland Keil; sisters, Lucille Hall, Elsie Herber, Clarnetta Brainerd, Thelma Gross and Alean Sanders.

Cremation was selected by Fern.  A Memorial Service will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, March 4, 2017 at the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell.  Burial of ashes will be held at Dodge City at a later date.  Memorials have been established with St. John Lutheran Church or Russell Senior Citizen Center.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.