Aleta Marie Ferris, 91, of De Pere passed away peacefully on Friday December 10, 2010. She was born April 25, 1919 in Marinette to the late Meddie and Lenore (Villeneauve) DePlanche. On April 18, 1940 she was united in marriage to George Ferris. In 1947 she and George started the Westside Restaurant in West De Pere on Main Ave., which they ran together until George's death in 1956. In 1962 she built the new Ferris Wheel Restaurant on Main Ave. in West De Pere that she ran until 1982 when she sold the business. Aleta then was a part time secretary at St. Boniface Rectory, and later Our Lady of Lourdes. Aleta was very active in the community, which included tutoring for the Brown County Literacy Council, and at Syble Hopp School. She also volunteered her time at St. Boniface Church and Our Lady of Lourdes. Aleta was also active on various Boards. She was one of the first women on the De Pere Chamber of Commerce Board, De Pere Historical Society Board of Directors, and many others. For her volunteerism she was recognized many times. Among some of the awards bestowed upon her were; the Outstanding Citizen of De Pere from the Chamber of Commerce, Roses for the Living from the Rotary Club, the Nan Workman Appreciation Award from the De Pere Historical Society, and the Silver Knight Award from St. Norbert College. Aleta is survived by her children; Roger (DeAnn) Ferris, Tom (Ginny) Ferris, John Ferris, Kathleen (Skip) Twitchell, Bill (Linda) Ferris, and George Ferris. Her grandchildren further survive; Lee (Celia) Ferris, Nick (Lori) Ferris, Steve (Cleo) Ferris, Susan (Jon) Sauld, Todd Ferris, Tammy (Greg) Herpel, Leah Ferris, and Paul Ferris. Aleta's great grandchildren also survive; Ryan, Sarah, Benjamin, Eli, Alexander, Zachary, Cosette, Christian, Samantha, Emily, Carly, Jack, Ross, Gabriella, and Isabella. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband George, and her siblings; Pearl, Ed, Cham, Lester, Fern, Clyde, and Duane. Friends may call at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Family, corner of Lourdes Ave. and Suburban Drive De Pere after 9am Tuesday, December 14, 2010 until the Mass of Christian Burial at 11am with Fr. Tim Shillcox O.Praem officiating burial in Mt. Calvary Cemetery. Please go to www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the family. In Lieu of flowers two memorial funds have been established. Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 1305 Lourdes Ave. De Pere, WI 54115, and the Brown County Literacy Council, 424 S. Monroe Ave. #104, Green Bay, WI 54301. The RYAN FUNERAL HOME of De Pere is assisting the family. The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice and Bellevue Retirement Community for all of their care and compassion shown to Aleta and her family.