DUMONT — Dorla Jean Ferch, 78, of Dumont, formerly of Charles City, died November 1, 2026, at Franklin General Hospital in Hampton following a battle with cancer. A longtime cook and devoted mother and grandmother, Dorla cherished time with her family and the familiar comforts of home.
A celebration of life will take place Saturday, November 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Community Center, 900 Hulin St., Charles City. Inurnment will be held later at Greenwood Cemetery in Nashua, with her grandchildren serving as honorary urnbearers. Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home & Crematory–Olson Chapel in Nashua is handling arrangements.
Dorla was born April 9, 1948, in Charles City to Charles and Margaret (Christensen) Bray. She graduated from Charles City High School and maintained close ties to the community throughout her life.
She spent much of her working life cooking in restaurants, taking pride in preparing meals and serving others. Her final years of employment were at Kwik Star, where she worked before retiring. Her obituary shared by Hugeback-Johnson Funeral Home describes a dependable colleague whose years of work brought lasting friendships.
At home, Dorla enjoyed starting the day with coffee and donuts while looking out the window. Jigsaw puzzles, westerns and planting flowers in spring were among her favorite pastimes. Snacks beside her recliner and her favorite banana “naner-naner” Laffy Taffy became familiar details her family will carry with them.
Above all, she loved being with her family. Her grandchildren brought her particular happiness, and the everyday moments they shared were central to her life.
Dorla is survived by her daughter, Andrea (Stan) Lines of Nashua; sons, Adam Fisher of Dumont and Daniel (Francis) Ferch of Ankeny; siblings, David Bray and Dawn (Mike) Ouellette; and sister-in-law, Debbie Bray.
She also leaves grandchildren Amanda (Jeff) Lines, Amber Iriarte, April (John) Anderson, Austin Lines, Ruby Ferch, Kayla Zubrod and Valerie; seven great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents; son, Anthony Fisher; siblings, Donald Bray, Darrell Bray and Delbert Bray; and grandchildren, Jeremy Iriarte and Matthew.
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