Mary Robb Ferris - Obituary

ary Robb Ferris passed away at the age of 104 on January 23, 2026, after a short illness. Born May 12, 1921, in Willows, CA, she was the daughter of Robert Jackson Settles of Clinton, MO, and Edna Dora Robb of New Harmony, IN. She married Major William ”Bill” R. Ferris, Sr. in San Francisco, CA, on April 9, 1944. They enjoyed a rich and active marriage for 71 years until his death in 2015, living mostly in California until moving to BayWoods of Annapolis, MD in 2012. Mary proudly attended San Diego State, San Francisco State, and Chico State colleges, was a secretary for Owens-Corning Glass, worked at a fabric store, and ran an estate liquidation business and antique store. But her passion was people. She was deeply involved in community and Episcopal church organizations and was a surrogate mother to enumerable young people over the years. For the last 13 years, Mary, known always for her hospitality and generosity, spent her time playing cards, socializing with friends, walking along the Chesapeake Bay shoreline, and bringing joy and support to the families of her children and grandchildren. Mary is survived by daughter Caroline F. Hall of Alexandria, VA, son Robert M. Ferris of Waldport, OR, daughter Mary F. Siebert and husband Rob of Chestertown, MD, and daughter-in-law Donna Ferris of San Jose, CA. Additionally, Mary has 7 grandchildren: Matthew Hall (Elizabeth), Mark Hall, Katie Watt (Eric), Kelly Garner (Dan), Patrick Siebert (Jenny Greenwell), Robin Hamnett (James) and Brian Tharp (Wendy), as well as 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her son William R. Ferris, Jr. Mary will be inurned with her beloved husband at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Lifecare Institute, the non-profit hospice organization that cared for her during her final day.