Rosena Fern

DEXTER- Rosena Ruth Fern, 75, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, at Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft, reuniting in heaven with Ron, her beloved husband of 52 years.
Rosena attended Dexter schools and Beal Business College. She enjoyed her work at Skowhegan Savings Bank, Bud's Shop'n Save, and in the payroll department at the Dexter Shoe Company.
Rosena had a creative spirit and a generous heart. A talented crafter, she made hundreds of cakes-most notably the wedding cakes for all three of her children. She also enjoyed quilting, quilling, and many other crafts. She loved cooking, canning and baking, and always attended family and community events with food to share. Rosena found deep joy in sharing the peaceful beauty of the family farm with her husband. She captured thousands of photos-sunrises, sunsets, flowers, deer, hummingbirds, foliage, and other wonders-evidence of her appreciation for God's handiwork.
Above all, Rosena cherished her family. She was a devoted mother to her three children-Lori, Alan, and Wendy-and embraced their spouses and her seven grandchildren with boundless love. Known affectionately as "Nana," she traveled all over the country for extended visits with her grandchildren, and she worked to make all family gatherings complete with favorite foods and time to connect.
She is survived by her children: Lori and Nic Koban of Wilton, Alan and Xiaoli Fern of Corvallis, OR, and Wendy and Keith Cote of Milford, NH. Her story continues through the lives of her grandchildren: Shaylynn and Zak Koban; Sophie, Alex, and Dexter Fern; and Caleb and Cooper Cote. She is also survived by her five siblings: Phil and Terry Merrill of West Paris, Christine Wescott of Roanoke, VA, Pauline Hughes of Corinna, Jeff and Gail Merrill of Ripley, and Pam and Dick Thomes of Roanoke, VA, as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to thank the staff of Hibbard Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for their compassionate care during her final years.
A funeral procession will depart from New Hope Baptist Church in Dexter at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 28th, proceeding along Fern Road to Mt. Pleasant Cemetery for a graveside service.
Following the committal, all are welcome to gather at Ridge View Community School in Dexter, ME for lunch and to share memories. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rosena's memory to Meals on Wheels.