Robert Owen Ferris

Robert Owen Ferris, 91 years young passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, in The Villages, Florida.

Bob was born in Detroit, Michigan to Irett and Moneta Ferris on January 10, 1935. He attended Cooley High School and graduated from Michigan State University, in East Lansing Michigan. Bob was in the Army Reserves after graduation. Bob met Lynn while they were both at MSU and they were married on July 17, 1970, in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Bob worked as a construction supervisor before starting his own construction business in Traverse City, Michigan. Bob and Lynn raised their four daughters in Traverse City, Michigan and he was involved in Habitat for Humanity while living there. Bob was very involved with his church, Mission Hill, formerly, First Congregational, and he facilitated some of the first Alpha classes there, and he enjoyed singing in the choir for years. Bob's hobby was model railroad trains.

After retiring to The Villages in 2002, Bob and Lynn joined New Covenant United Methodist Church. Here, Bob was able to volunteer in church outreach. He served on the building committee, trustees, evangelism, Wildwood food pantry, Wildwood soup kitchen and Habitat for Humanity. Bob also facilitated Alpha classes, hurricane disaster after Katrina and UMCOR relief. Bob loved the Bible and he was so pleased when he was able to take four years of the disciple class.

First and foremost was his love for his family. There are 24 in our family, and we tried to all be together at Christmas time.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, James.

Bob is survived by his wife, E. Lynn; daughters Stacie Everett (Harvey), Shellie Tryon, Wendy Keiser (Lance), Amy Uhrich (Jason), brother; John Ferris, 9 wonderful grandchildren; Courtney Miles (Mike), Tara Kobayashi (Koji) Taylor Tryon, Carinn Tryon, Mackenzie Keiser, Matthew Keiser, Alex Uhrich, Drew Uhrich and Grant Uhrich. He is also survived by four beautiful, great grandchildren; Max Miles, Mercer Miles, Minnie Miles and Molly Miles.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 19th at 11:00am at New Covenant United Methodist Church. Burial at a later date at the Mission Hill Church, formally, First Congregational Traverse City, MI, in the memorial gardens.

We would ask for everyone able, to do a random act of kindness in memory of Bob.