Loretta Ione (Carpenter) FERGUSON

CARPENTER, FERGUSON, BARKMAN, MARVELL, BROWN

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 6/6/2013 at 11:20:18

March 3, 1919 --- April 20, 2003

Loretta C. (Retta) Ferguson, 84, left this life the way she lived it — with dignity and grace — passing peacefully at home on Easter morning, April 20, 2003. Born Loretta Ione Carpenter on March 3, 1919, in Dows, Iowa, she grew up on a farm in Illinois, and was a long-time resident of Prescott, AZ. In modern terms a stay - at - home mom, she devoted her life to her husband, her family, and her Lord. Prior to marrying Claude Harding Ferguson on Nov. 18, 1944, she attended the University of Illinois, where she developed a passion for history and Greek culture. Over the next six decades she lived in Alaska, California, Nevada, Washington and in Arizona, where she served for many years as a research docent for the Phoenix Art Museum. She later became an accomplished amateur artist and immersed herself in family genealogy. Remarkably creative and well-read, she had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge that stayed with her even in her final days. She was a proud member of The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Republican National Committee, and the National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare. She loved nature, the Cubbies, cocker spaniels and making angels in the snow.

She will be deeply missed by her hero and husband of 58 years, retired airline captain Claude Harding Ferguson of Prescott; their four children, Michael Evan Ferguson of Pelican, AK; Linda J. Barkman of Phoenix, Ariz.; Randy Lee Ferguson of Las Vegas, Nev.; and Kelly Claude Ferguson of Sitka, AK; as well as 8 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and her beloved sister, Jean Marvell of Corvallis, Ore. Preceding her in death were her parents, Lloyd and Frances Carpenter, and a sister, Betty Brown. Her daughter, Linda, will always remember her for her devotion, high scruples and the great pleasure she found in reading and research. Son Michael lauds her for the way he was raised. Randy says he'll never forget how much she loved her dogs and being out in the woods; and Kelly will remember her most as someone to talk to, a friend, someone who was there when he needed her. Mom, your memory will continue to guide us. We take comfort in knowing you lived a long, happy and fulfilling life. Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice Family Care of Prescott.

The Arizona Republic - Phoenix, Arizona
April 23, 2003