Martha J. Ferguson

Martha Jewel Edwards was born December 8, 1904, in Cowling, Illinois, the daughter of Lee and Jane (Painter) Edwards.

In 1906, the family moved to the Cheyenne River breaks area, west of Milesville, South Dakota.

She grew up in that area and attended grade school at the West Fork Rural School and then attended Marietta Consolidated High School near Hartley, South Dakota.

Martha taught rural school near Nowlin, South Dakota, for one year, then attended Black Hills Normal at Spearfish.

She was united in marriage to Harold L. Ferguson on March 17, 1923, at Philip, South Dakota.

They made their home on a ranch in the Hilland area.  Martha taught school off and on for over 25 years.  They continued to ranch until retiring in 1976, but continued to reside on the ranch until moving into Philip in 1983.

Her husband, Harold, preceded her in death on June 18, 1986.

Martha continued to make her home in Philip.

Martha was a member of the Hilland Lutheran Church and belonged to the Ladies Aid.  She served as the church organist for many years.  After moving into Philip, they became members of the First Lutheran Church.  They were active in the Farmers Union.

Martha was Grand Matron of the Philip Festival Days Parade in 1996.

Martha and Harold traveled extensively throughout the United States.  They also enjoyed square dancing in their later years.

Grateful for having shared her life are her son, Donald Ferguson and his wife, Virginia, of Philip; three daughters, Ilene Breen and her husband, Orville, of Newcastle, Washington, Esther Knutson and her husband, Ted, of Quinn, and Jeanette Burton and her husband, Hal, of Lilliwaup, Washington; 18 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; nine great-great grandchildren; a sister, Viola Herrman of Philip; and a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition to her husband, Harold Ferguson, she was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Raymond Edwards and Amon Durley; and two sisters, Leona Sandal and Chloe Carlson.

A memorial has been established.

Services
Saturday, March 20, 1999
1:30 p.m.
First Lutheran Church
Philip, South Dakota

Officiating
Pastor Paul Bly

Music
Marily Millage - Organist
Vernon Burns - Vocalist - "My Tribute"
Congregational Hymn - "In the Garden"
Barry & Edna Knutson - Vocalists - "Called Home"

Ushers
Steve Reckling - Cody Knutson

Active Pallbearers
Mike Burns - Don Burns - Kelly Burns
Rod Knutson - Steve Knutson - Barry Knutson
Brandy Knutson - Cody Knutson - Lee Ferguson
Gary Ferguson - Doug Black - Philip Black

Honorary Pallbearers
All relatives and friends in attendance

Interment
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Service Details

Services
Saturday, March 20, 1999
1:30 p.m.
First Lutheran Church in Philip