Donnabeth Ferebee Ferrel was born June 25, 1924, to Ora and Ivy Ferebee in Nelson, Nebraska of Nuckolls County. As a young girl her family moved to a dry land farm located on the south divide of Champion Valley. She attended grades 1-8 at Champion then graduated high school in Imperial, NE in 1941.
While working as a waitress at the Sale Barn Café, she became acquainted with a handsome young cowboy by the name of Lowell Ferrel.
Lowell and Donnabeth were married on New Year’s Day 1941 at 0:01 o’clock and made their first home on the farm 4 1/2 miles south of Highway 6, south of Lamar, Nebraska. While living here and ranching with his dad, Lowell was called to serve his country in World War II.
Born in 1942 was daughter Vicky Lynn. Later, brothers Ora and JayDee joined the family.
In 1960, Lowell and Donnabeth moved from the farm/ranch, into the city of Imperial. Here was where Lowell built a horse training facility known as Ferrel’s Western Training. Shortly thereafter Donnabeth opened a western clothing store, known as “Ferrel’s Western T’s” (Training, Togs & Turquoise)
Donnabeth’s favorite hobbies were animals, quilting, and traveling. Donnabeth could be referred to as a “Happy World Traveler!” She enjoyed traveling with Lowell, showing and judging horse shows. Traveling throughout the United States, she and Lowell were members of Rotary International and represented the City of Imperial as well as Chase County wherever they went.
Donnabeth along with daughter Vicky Lynn got the opportunity to travel to the Holy Land with the Methodist Church family, which was a very rewarding experience.
Survivors include: daughter Vicky Lynn (Jim) Brown of Lamar, NE, son Lowell Ora (Jenny) Ferrel or Sterling CO; grandchildren Troy Brown (friend) Rosa of Ogallala, NE, Toby Brown (Dannielle) of St. Joseph, MO their sons Atticus and Sullivan; Thomas Ferrel (Carol) children Gillian and Sean of Shawnee, KS; great grand-daughter Audry (Josiah) Gilliland and daughters Wren, Joliene, and Margot Jayne of Pleasant Hill, MO.
She is preceded in death by husband Lowell, her parents, brothers Don, Frank, and Bud, her son Jay Dee and great grandson Connor James Brown.
Visitation will be held Friday, June 21 2024, from 4:00-6:00PM at Liewer Funeral Home in Imperial, NE. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 10:30AM at the Imperial Methodist Church with Reverend Brian Loy officiating, interment to follow at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Memorial contributions made to Imperial Senor Center, the Imperial Manor, or Imperial Methodist Church Bell Choir.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.liewerfuneralhome.com