Ellen Inez (O'Brien) Featherston

Ellen Inez O'Brien Featherston, 94, of Poplar Bluff, died Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012 at The Cedargate in Poplar Bluff.

Mrs. Featherston was born Sept. 27, 1917, in Purman, Mo., and grew up primarily in Ripley County with childhood time also spent in St. Louis and California. She graduated from Doniphan High school in 1935, and attended college at Southeast Missouri State University during summer sessions. Mrs. Featherston initially taught school in Ripley County, and later began her career at Family Services in Butler County in January of 1960. She retired from Family Services at the age of 73 after more than 30 years of service. Mrs. Featherston participated in the activities of her children, such as scouting, and was active in civic and political affairs in her community. She was a member of the Democrat Women's Club, where she held several offices, and was elected ""Democrat Woman of the Year"" in 1999. Mrs. Featherston was a founding member of the Clinton Foundation; a member of the Citizenship Club, where over the years she served as President, Secretary, Chaplain and Cookbook Chairman; a founding member of ""Women Aware"" in Butler County; and a member of the Order of Eastern Star Chapter 288 for over 60 years. After retirement, Mrs. Featherston became more involved in the causes of abused women and children. She was a member of First Christian Church.

On May 4, 1938, she married Charles Henry Featherston in Purman, Mo. He preceded her in death on Jan. 16, 2000.

Survivors include a son, Charles Ronald Featherston of Houston, Tex.; two daughters, Elaine Boston of Folsom, La., and Sally Boyd of Poplar Bluff; and seven grandchildren.

Her parents, Charles Morgan and Gertrude Theresa (Osborn) O'Brien, a granddaughter, Lara Andrea Cox and a brother, Samuel Morgan O'Brien also preceded Mrs. Featherston in death.

Visitation will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel. The funeral service will follow at 10:30 a.m. in the Chapel with Rev. Bob Featherston officiating. Burial will be at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.