Vivian Ferguson

VIVIAN FERGUSON Click here to view a video of Vivian's life IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Our dearest Mother, Vivian L. Ferguson, 89, of Idaho Falls, after being in ill health for several years, quietly passed away May 30, 2008, at Parkwood Meadows Assisted Living under their care and in the care of Aspen Home Health and Hospice and the loving arms of her family. She was a full time mother and home maker and a wonderful mother, the best in the world . . . Vivian was a sweet and nurturing soul with a beautiful smile, and contagious laughter. She was a dedicated, devout and active member of the First Baptist Church of Idaho Falls during her 52 year membership. She had a deep love for the Lord. She loved and was dedicated to her family, the most important thing in her life. Some called her the family "Matriarch" because she was the center in all of our lives. She was the first one to plan a dinner, or a party, or a reunion with everyone bringing their special dish. A lively grandma, she always made time to play a game with the children, and offer homemade cookies from the "old green apple cookie jar." A game of pinochle or bump usually ended every get together. Mom was born in Edgley, North Dakota, on December 3, 1918, to Bert Ray Washburn and Lelia Elsie Tomlin Washburn. She was married in Idaho Falls to Chester Wallace Ferguson on August 15, 1937. Together they raised five children before Dad died in 1995. Mom was remarried July 22, 2002, to Gordon Ferguson, Dad's younger brother. Mom and Gordon motorhomed around the U.S. until his death in 2004, eighteen months together enjoying America. Mom loved to travel with family and friends especially to new places. She is survived by a son, Keith Ferguson of Idaho Falls; and daughters, Marilyn Ford (Shuichi) Somemichi of Japan, Karen (Paul) Waggoner of Idaho Falls, Kathy (Steve) Babbitt of Oregon and Cindy (Steve) Owens of Island Park. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; siblings, Carol (John) Pitman of Idaho Falls, Marie (Don) Hansen of Burley; two sisters-in-law, who were truly like sisters, Fay Washburn of Nampa, Idaho, and Ruth Spencer of Spokane, Washington. She was preceded in death by Chester Ferguson, Gordon Ferguson, four brothers, two sisters, her parents, and one infant daughter. We would like to thank the many friends and relatives, as well as, residents and the entire staff of Parkwood Meadows Assisted Living and Aspen Home Health and Hospice for the care, kindness and love shown to our mother during her final illness. A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 3, 2008, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue in Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends one hour before the service. Burial will be with her husband and family at Rose Hill Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family home at 1030 Alameda Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83401 and a donation will be given in Mom's name to her care givers at Aspen Home Health and Hospice. ------------------------------------