Ferne R. Ferguson

She was born April 27, 1922 in Alpha, IA to William Thomas and Nine Eliza (Cummings) Richardson. She met Donald W. Ferguson when she was attending Upper Iowa University, they married April 9, 1943. After 50+ years of marriage he preceded her in death November 8, 1995.

Ferne is survived by her son Donald W. (Donna) Ferguson Jr.; granddaughters Alyssa (Mark) Louagie, Erin (Anthony) Frey; great-granddaughters Kate and Claire Louagie, Hailey and Mia Frey all of the Cincinnati, OH area.

She was preceded in death by her daughters Nina Ruth Ferguson, and Donna Simms; brother James Richardson; sisters Alice Cooney, Faye Pierce, Ruvie Mahler, and twin sister Florence Wesselius.

Ferne and Don moved to Bloomington in 1953 when Don became City Engineer, he retired after 3 decades. Their second child and first daughter was born with a heart defect and Ferne cared for her until her death at age 4. While raising her children she was heavily involved in her children’s school and church activities. Ferne and Don were a rock and a blessing in the lives of her twin sister’s nine children following the death of their father in a car accident.

After raising her children, Ferne was involved in the BroMenn Hospital Gift Shop for 20 years becoming manager and buyer. She was an active member of Lakeside Country Club and Wesley United Methodist Church, including president of women’s society. She was a member of several bridge clubs and enjoyed playing into the last year of her life. She cared for her mother who lived with her for the last 10 years of her life.

Ferne moved to Westminster Village in the summer of 2008 following the death of her 2nd daughter. Ferne made a point of finding the good in everyone she met and every situation she faced. She believed that complaining accomplished nothing. She was blessing to everyone who knew her.

Donations can be made in her name to the Westminster Village Employees’ Christmas Fund. 2025 E. Lincoln St. Bloomington IL. 61701.