Iris Christine (Cargo) Ferrell

Iris Christine Cargo Ferrell, 96, of Deland, FL, passed into the arms of her Savior on January 23, 2022 after an extended illness. Born on a farm in Assyria Township near Bellevue, MI, she later moved with her family to Houghton, MI where she graduated from Houghton High School in 1943 as Valedictorian of her class. She went on to attend Michigan Technological University earning both B.S. and M.S. degrees in Chemistry. After serving as a Teaching Assistant from 1946-48, she was employed as an Instructor in the academic year 1948-49. While attending Michigan Tech, she met her future husband, Joseph Ferrell, a returning G.I. majoring in Engineering. Iris and Joe were married on August 6,1949 in Houghton, MI. During their 58 years of marriage, they lived in North Muskegon, MI, Libertyville, IL, and Deland, FL. A gifted teacher, she taught Chemistry throughout those years, taking an interval to raise her two daughters. She was a faculty member at Muskegon Community College (MI), College of Lake County (IL), and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (FL) from where she retired at the age of 70. Iris was a resident of Deland for 45 years and an active member of Lake Helen United Methodist Church up until she was unable to attend due to illness. She is predeceased by her husband, Joseph Michael Ferrell, Jr. She is survived by her two daughters, Patti Ferrell Carlson (Stephen) and Pamela Ferrell Lutter Yeo (Richard), five grandchildren: Kirsten Carlson Furr (Christopher), Maren Carlson Herzog (James), Chad Lutter (Jenny), Alex Lutter, Emily Lutter, and seven great grandchildren. We are eternally grateful to her devoted caretaker, Pat Torres, who was by our mother’s side for nine years. Her Funeral Service/Life Celebration will be at the Kempf Funeral Home in Bellevue, MI on May 14, 2022 at 11:00 am. It will be preceded by a Visitation at 10:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lake Helen United Methodist Church or The Disabled American Veterans. For more information, visit https://www.kempffuneralhome.com