AUBURN — Ferne Nadine Zimmerman Moats, 97, of Auburn, Indiana, left us to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, September 1, 2015, at DeKalb Health. Ferne was born on March 14, 1918, in Ray, Michigan, to John H. and Edith Miller Zimmerman. She was a 1935 graduate of Garrett High School and received her degree as an executive secretary from International Business College in 1938. In 1944, she married her home town sweetheart, Jack D. Moats, who was serving his country in the U.S. Navy. Upon his discharge in 1945, they took up residency in Garrett until moving to Auburn in 1966, where she resided for the remainder of her life. Ferne worked as a secretary for the president of Messenger Corporation in Auburn for many years until accepting employment with Dana Corporation in Fort Wayne in 1969. She was the executive secretary for the International Division of Dana and also worked in Time Study before retiring in 1980. A member of the "Greatest Generation," she witnessed so many changes during her life, growing up during the Great Depression, living through World War II and witnessing all of the modernization which occurred in the years following. She was a great patriot but was quite disgruntled by what had happened to her country during the last 15 years. A volunteer at the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Automobile Museum for over 20 years, Ferne also served on the Board of Directors of Greenhurst Country Club, and was a lifetime member of Psi Iota Xi and the Order of Eastern Star. She also belonged to the American Legion Auxiliary in Garrett and the Auburn Elks Lodge. She was an active member, contributor and participant in the Methodist Church and loved her Lord. She served on numerous church committees and was an active participant in the yearly bazaars. Ferne was a charitable angel, contributing to numerous charitable organization within the community and throughout the United States. One of her fondest achievements was being elected to the Auburn Women's Bowling Association Hall of Fame. Ferne and her husband loved to travel, particularly to Jack's WWII ship reunions, which were staged all over the United States for over 40 years. She was a loving mother and wife. Although she outlived most of her friends, she constantly made new, younger ones and looked years younger than her actual age. Ferne was an avid Indiana University fan, attending IU football games with her husband for over 25 years and, of course, making new friends along the way. She was noted for the counted cross stitch dishrags she made and gave to friends. They were so nice that some people actually used them for coasters! Ferne was also one of the last great card senders, constantly staying on top of friends and family birthdays, times of grief and illness and holidays. She will be deeply missed not only by her family, but also, her community. Surviving are a son, John of Auburn; a daughter and son-in-law, Margaret and Jay Hall in Raleigh, North Carolina; and a granddaughter Megan of Charlotte, North Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 67 years Jack; and a brother, Forrest Zimmerman. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Thomas Funeral Home in Garrett, Indiana. Visitation will be from 2-4 and 6-8 on Saturday, September 5. Her service will be held at the funeral home at 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 6, with Rev. Wilbur Yates officiating. Burial will follow in the Christian Union Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the First United Methodist Church in Auburn, Indiana. You may send a condolence or sign the on-line register book by visiting www.thomasfuneralhome.org.