Leah Fern Walker Crotts, 96, died April 3, 2022, in Pretty Prairie. She was born December 5, 1925, in Bluff City, KS, to Walter and Ida (Preheim) Walker, the fifth of seven children.

Fern graduated from Bluff City High School and Grace Hospital School of Nursing.  On August 24, 1947, she married Harold Eugene Crotts, in Harper, KS. They made their home on the family farm, between Penalosa and Turon, where they raised their six children.

Fern was known for her love of a good game, with cards and Scrabble being her favorite.  She always played to win!  Fern also made incredible pies and was a voracious reader.

She preceded in death by:  her parents; husband; sisters, Bess Comes, Libby Walker, and Ann Ott; and brothers, Victor Walker and Walter Walker.

Fern leaves behind:  sons, Neil Crotts, Dodge City, Alan (Vicki) Crotts, Turon, Leigh (Sharon) Crotts, Phoenix, AZ, Wayne (Susan) Crotts, Hutchinson, Jon (Debbie) Crotts, Garden City; and daughter, Anne (Mike) Dowell, Hutchinson; grandchildren, Angela, Melissa, Bret, Levi, Matt, Tara, Zach, Nicole, Leah, and Tyler; 16 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Judy Parsons of Pretty Prairie.

Cremation has taken place.  A private celebration of life for Fern will take place at a later date.

Memorials are suggested to the Hutchinson Public Library or Traditions Health (formerly Serenity Hospice), in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS  67501.