Ferne M. Dansfield, 84, of Elkhart, passed away on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at her home. She was born on March 8, 1942, in Chicago, IL to the late Elmer and Marion (Bauer) Slabbaert. Besides being a longtime Elkhart resident, she lived most of her life in St. Joseph, MI.

Ferne is survived by her loving husband, Ramon “Ray” Dansfield; children, David Dansfield, Martha Dansfield, and Mary (Timothy) Bainter; grandchildren, Jonathan (Chloe) Bainter, Andrew (Grace) Bainter, and Sabrina Bainter; and great grandchild, Merrin Bainter.

In accordance with Ferne’s wishes, cremation was chosen and will take place at Billings Funeral Home, 812 Baldwin St. in Elkhart. A Service will be held at a later date at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 53505 Co Rd 27, Bristol, IN 46507. Memorial donations may be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Humane Society of Elkhart County, 54687 Co Rd 19, Bristol, IN 46507.

Ferne was a kind, patient, and caring woman who put another’s needs before her own. She worked as a registered nurse for 50 years, serving her community at many local hospitals and nursing facilities. She felt it was her calling to care for those around her and encourage others by following Jesus' example and sharing the good news about Jehovah's kingdom with those who were struggling. Caring for children was her greatest joy in life and she enjoyed being able to spend time with her grandchildren.

In her spare time, she loved gardening and cooking. She made the best lasagna around! With her grandchildren, she enjoyed working on crafts and creating art. Ferne was a talented artist. Most of all, her faith was important to her and she remained dedicated to Jehovah and Jesus' teachings. Ferne will be dearly missed by her loving family and many friends.