Pearl Reinhard Ferguson

Pearl Reinhard Ferguson, 90, of Newburgh, IN, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Saturday, July 9, 2011 at her home. She was born to the late Jacob and Bertha Reinhard January 18, 1921 in Newburgh, IN.

She attended the former Newburgh High School, graduating as Salutatorian of her class. After graduation, she began work at Embassy Apparel in Boonville, Indiana until her marriage to Robert Ferguson on June 12, 1941. During WWII Pearl worked at Servel, fitting gun bay doors on P-47 Thunderbolt airplanes. After the war she dedicated her life to her family; helping her husband with their auto repair business, as well as service to her Lord and special needs children.

Pearl was saved at the early age of 10, and dearly loved serving her Lord. She was a member of Townsend Bible Church, (formerly called Townsend Community Church), where she served as Church Secretary, Sunday School and Bible School Teacher, Bible School Director, Camp Counselor, President of the Ladies Organization, and along with her husband as Senior Youth Leader for many years. She served in Child Evangelism Fellowship, and hosted weekly Good News Clubs for girls and boys in her home. Pearl was a Brownie Troop Leader; President of Howard Roosa School PTA in Evansville, during which time she initiated the Patrol Mom’s Safety Program; P.T.A. President at her Newburgh Alma Mater initiating the bond program to finance Castle High School; chaperoned field trips and Special Olympic events to benefit special needs children.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Ferguson; parents, Fred and Bertha Reinhard; granddaughter, Rhonda Woodall; sisters, Mary Zint, Alta Thomas, Pauline Tucker, Billie Reinhard; and brother, Frank Reinhard.

Pearl is survived by her daughter, LaVonne Woodall (Henry); son, Robert Ferguson Jr (Cindi); grandchildren, John H. Woodall, Wyatt Ferguson, Jenny Bailey, Kelley Hall, Taylor Kittrell; great-grandchildren, Justice Daulton and Aleya Paige Woodall, Rory Bailey, Brady Hall; brother, Harry Reinhard; nieces and nephews.

She believed that greatness was not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige, but discovered in service to God and others; in truth, goodness, humility, character, and the giving of love unconditionally. Those who were fortunate enough to know her, deemed her friendship their good fortune. Although the list of her benefactors is lengthy, those who knew her say, “You’ll never know how many people she helped.” Many knew her for her chicken and dumplings, homemade jelly, and lye soap.

Pearl was a woman big enough to admit her mistakes and smart enough to profit from them. She may have been counted out several times, but Pearl Ferguson didn’t hear the umpire; she knew God was in control of all things in her life. The success she found was not determined by accumulation, but by contribution. She was one Very Special Lady.

Services will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at Townsend Bible Church, 2418 S Hwy 261, Paradise, IN 47630, officiated by Pastor Mike Ward, with burial at Rose Hill Cemetery, Newburgh, IN. Friends may visit 4:00 to 8:00 PM Monday, July 11, 2011 at Alexander Newburgh Chapel and 10:00AM to service time at the church on Tuesday.

The family would like to thank Dr. Ward Neff, VNA Home Health Care and Hospice for their excellent care and concern, Pastor Mike Ward and friends for many prayers, and acts of kindness during this time.

Memorial Contributions may be made to VNA Plus Home Care and Hospice, 610 Walnut Street, P.O. Box 3487, Evansville, IN 47734.