Anna Ruth Ferrell

Anna Ruth Ferrell (Criswell)
June 8th, 1931 - February 9th, 2018

As we entered into life, by the grace of God, a loving mother was there to greet us. Progressing through our lives, we were comforted by her unfailing love. Through pain and sorrow, joy and elation, mother was there to share the highlights of all that was important to us. She was a pillar of strength, a confidant and when needed a comfort during our pain. Pain came to Rick, Carolyn, Mike and Ted on February 9th, 2018 as they said goodbye to their mother, Ann Ferrell. She left her earthly body behind to enter into the arms of her beloved savior and redeemer, Jesus Christ. Ann was born to Albert and Ruth Criswell, (Woodall) in Duke Oklahoma. She was the youngest of three sisters, Lila and Jean. They lived in Oklahoma until November 15th 1936 when mom's family loaded their earthly possessions into, onto and around a 1930s era Buick to begin their odyssey from the wind ravaged Midwest. They became migrant farm workers, slowly edging themselves across southwest America. In the spring of 1937 they arrived at their promised land of Visalia, California and settled down to live their American Dream. Years later, mom's family grew with the addition of a younger brother, Bud, and sister, Linda. On August 28th, 1948 mom married Alvie Dale Hughes, (divorced, deceased), with this union resulting in three children, Rick (Laurel), Carolyn (Doug), Mike (Susan). On March 5th, 1955 Ann remarried. Ted Ferrell (deceased) the love of her life for 58 years. This union led to the birth of Ted Ferrell Jr. (Ellen). As a result of her passing, mom leaves behind four children, thirteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren and three great, great-grandchildren. Mom's siblings included Lila Roberts (deceased), Jean Hughes (deceased), Bud Criswell and Linda Robinette.

Viewing will be held at Hillcrest Mortuary, 9101 Kern Canyon Road, Tuesday, February 20th from 5 to 9 p.m. Chapel services for Ann will be held at Hillcrest Chapel on Wednesday, February 21st at 10 a.m. with interment to follow at 12:30 p.m. at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, Highway 58 at Bear Mountain Blvd. Celebration of life memorial to follow. Should you wish to make any memorial donations in lieu of flowers, please donate to Wreaths Across America (donate.wreathsacrossamerica.org).