The Idaho State Journal 12-14-2000

MONTPELIER - Ferris K. Nate, 84, prominent rancher in Bear Lake County and Crow Creek, passed away Dec. 12, 2000, at the Bear Lake Memorial Hospital in Montpelier with his family at his side.

He was born May 26, 1916, in Dingle, Idaho, to Charles C. and Mae Bird Nate. He graduated from Montpelier High School in 1934, and then moved to Salt Lake City and graduated from LDS Business College in 1936.

Ferris married Verona Williams on June 9, 1936.

He owned and operated Ferris' Texaco station on Washington Street in Montpelier for 10 years, and then moved to Cucamonga, Calif., in 1945, and co-operated the Red Chief Motel, Bar and Dining with his father-in-law and brother-in-law, Frank L. and Verge Williams, for two years. In 1947, they returned to Bear Lake, and went to work for his father on the N1 Ranch in Dingle, Idaho, until the death of his father.

He continued to operate this ranch together with his son, Fred, until the time of his death. His wife, Verona, passed away Feb. 25, 1973. He later married Willa Roberts Miller in July of 1973, and she passed away April 19, 1988. He then married Rae Straw Crane on Feb. 18, 1989.

Ferris loved hunting, and especially fishing at Palisades Reservoir. He was a member of the Caribou Cattlemen's Association for 27 years, and served as secretary for the Black Otter Irrigation Company, and the Dingle Backhoe Association, both for 28 years. He was a member of the LDS Church.

Ferris is survived by his wife, Rae, of Montpelier; one daughter, Linda (Edward) Minhondo, of Bountiful, Utah; one son, Fred K. (Dianne) Nate of Montpelier, Idaho; a stepson, Douglas Crane of Montpelier; a stepdaughter, Leslie Crane of Orlando, Florida; 12 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Bird Michaelson of Montpelier, and Dora (Fred) Crockett of Palm Desert, California; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters, Ruth and Merle, and three brothers, Russell, Leslie (Toots) and Harold (Ted).

The funeral service will be held Saturday, Dec. 16, at 1 p.m. in the Montpelier Stake Center. Burial will be in the Montpelier Cemetery.