Fern Louise Backholm, born June 20, 1922, to Harry and Alma Smith in Susanville, California, passed away at Grays Harbor Community Hospital on Sunday, June 25, 2023. Fern and her family lived in 23 different places growing up throughout Washington, Oregon and California following her father’s work.

She landed in Grays Harbor in the 1940s where she attended both Aberdeen and Hoquiam High School where she met her future husband, Ed Backholm. They were married in 1945 and raised their four children in Hoquiam. They were married for 73 years when Ed passed in 2018.

Fern’s banking career started at First National Bank of Oregon in Ashland in the early ’40s before her move to the Harbor. As her children grew up, Fern continued her banking career at Timberman’s National Bank in 1965 through changes to National Bank of Washington, Pacific National Bank of Washington, to First Interstate Bank of Washington to Wells Fargo Bank. She worked as head teller where she enjoyed working with the community and her coworkers until her retirement in 1986. She remained close to many of her coworkers throughout her life.

Fern and Ed enjoyed traveling with the Aberdeen National Elks Band to many National Conventions which took them to Chicago, Bahamas, Reno, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Houston, St. Louis, New Orleans, Portland and Seattle.

Fern was preceded in death by her siblings, Adelaide Clary Brown of Ashland, Oregon, William Smith of Portland, Oregon., Dr. Harry C. Smith Jr. of Canby, Oregon., Gale Smith of Portland, Oregon., and Betty McMullen of Portland, Oregon.

Fern’s greatest loves were her family and friends. She is survived by her children Kristine (George) Cross of Sequim, Karolyn Backholm (Bill Wehrenberg) of Seattle, Edwin Backholm Jr. of Seattle, and Teresa (Ben) Brumfield of Hoquiam.

Fern loved her grandchildren, Stephanie (Don) Beard of Silver Spring, Maryland, Janie Cross Lovejoy of Tacoma, Jason (Tory) Cross of Sequim, Emily Brumfield of Montesano, Anna Backholm of Seattle, Evan (Samantha) Brumfield of North Bend and Julia (Shaheed) Khan of Seattle.

She was blessed with 13 great-grandchildren who loved their GGMa and numerous nieces and nephews who loved their Aunt Fern.

Fern was always known for her quick wit and sense of humor.

She is forever in our hearts with her favorite phrase, “I love you more.”

Messages of condolence can be collected in a tribute book for the family online at www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com