WALNUT -- M. Ferne Berge, 90, of Tampico died Monday, April 26, 2004, at Walnut Manor Nursing Home in Walnut.

Born Feb. 8, 1914, in Buda to Joseph Judson and Minnie Marie (Schmitt) Kepner, she married E. Wilson Berge Sept. 29, 1940, in Tampico. He died on Jan. 20, 1991.

She was a graduate of Tampico High School, a homemaker and farming partner with her husband, farming all of her life in the Tampico area. She was a 78-year member of the Tampico United Methodist Church and a charter member of the church's Martha Circle. She was a member of Royal Neighbors of America, Bureau County Farm Bureau, and the Rural Youth Organization.

Survivors include three daughters, Gwen (Stan) Peterson of Kewanee, Sharon (Ted) Sumner and Lorraine (Terry) Gaskill, both of Tampico; one brother, Homer (Eloise) Kepner of Walnut; seven grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; two nieces and eight nephews.

Her parents, one sister, Anna, in infancy; one sister, Ethel Stewart; and three brothers, Dyson, Selby and Lloyd Kepner, all preceded her in death.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at the Tampico United Methodist Church, the Rev. John McFarland officiating. Burial will be in the Tampico Memorial Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Friday at the church.

Memorials may be made to the Tampico United Methodist Church, the Tampico Community Center or the Tampico Ambulance Service.

Arrangements were completed by the Garland Funeral Home in Tampico.