Robert “Bob” Ferrence, ninety, of Rural Retreat, Virginia, slipped peacefully into his heavenly home on February 17th, 2026—after a lifetime stitched together with love, quiet courage, and a devotion to family that never once wavered. He worked hard, never complained, just did what needed doing, day after day.

Born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, on October 13, 1935, Bob grew into a man who made every

day feel like it mattered. He served proudly in the United States Army during the war, stationed in Germany… where, with a shy grin and a Butterfinger bar, he won the heart of his lovely Silvia—both of them just kids, stealing moments between drills and dreams. Together they crossed the ocean, built a home in America, and raised four children who grew into wonderful adults—kind, thoughtful people who learned from him how to love without rush, how to listen like every word counts.

He was a man with a heart wide enough for everyone—always ready, always gentle. He’d sing old tunes while the grandkids climbed his lap, recite silly little poems that made everyone laugh, kneel in the garden to plant tulips for Silvia, help his son Rick coach Little League baseball, or bark play-by-play from his recliner—coaching the team like he was on the field. (And if you ever wanted to rile him up, just hand him a Dallas Cowboys hat—he’d make a face like you’d poisoned his coffee.) Go Vikings! That big smile of his could light a room; strangers became friends in seconds. Kids trailed him like ducklings, dogs wagged tails at his shadow, and even birds seemed to know he was safe. Seventy-two years later, Silvia still looked at him like he’d just walked in with that candy.

Bob leaves behind his beloved wife Silvia, and their four children—Karl with Laurie Ferrence, Bobby with Claudia Ferrence, Evelyn with Rockwell Hearn, Rick with Natalie Ferrence—each one carrying his steady warmth. Twelve grandchildren, every name a treasure: Troy with Stacy Ferrence, Tricia with Tim Jenni, Dee Dee with Tony Romani, Taylor with JoJo Ferrence, Emma Ferrence, Josh Ferrence, Matt Ferrence, Angie with Jim Paquette, Corey with his daughter Willow Hearn, Katie Widener, and Ben Ferrence. Twenty-four great-grandchildren, two great-greats… all of them growing up with stories that feel like hugs.

He was preceded in death by an infant daughter and granddaughter Sonya Wright—whose husband, Dan, still holds her memory close.

In keeping with Bob’s wishes, there will be no formal funeral or visitation, just a quiet, private celebration of life among family. And instead of flowers, he’d ask you to do something simple: spend today making sweet, lasting memories with the people you love.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.