Obituary of Elizabeth L. Ferguson
Elizabeth “Betty” Louise Ferguson, 85, of Morris was born September 12, 1935, and entered into eternal life on September 6, 2021.
Betty attended Morris schools and was a member of First Presbyterian Church. She worked at the Morris Paper Mill for a short time before marrying her husband of 63 years, William “Bill” Ferguson. Once her three children were in school, Betty enjoyed working at local floral shops, a garden center and Hanover Linens.
Betty and Bill looked forward to annual family vacations and travel to many destinations. For several years, the week in Michigan with Betty’s cousins and all the kids and grandkids was a highlight of the summer.
Whether it was a cup of coffee or a holiday meal, Betty loved serving and spending time gathered around the table with her family. Betty was a cheerleader through her high school years and continued to cheer and support her children and grandchildren in any, and all, of their activities and events.
Betty was proud of her heritage. She collected many photos and articles about her ancestors, the Cryder family, some of the first settlers in Grundy County.
Betty is survived by her children, Teri (Mike) Brady, Karolee (Bill Handel) Ferguson, and Jack Ferguson: grandchildren, Ben Winsor and Andrea (Robin) Barker, Klaire Ferguson, Ella Ferguson, Lauren Yearwood, Tyler Ferguson, and Jake Ferguson; great-grandchildren, Brieanne Yearwood and David M. Yearwood IV; and extended family, Adrienne Brady, Haylee Barry, Merek and Jackson Klicker, Laurie (fiancé Jim Anderson) Handel and Kristie (Dan) Hudak, Trent, Trevor, and Troy Hudak.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill, her parents, Charles and Pearl Cryder, and her siblings, Janice Tambling, James Cryder, and Larry Cryder.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held Saturday, October 2, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. with an hour of visitation prior to the service at First Presbyterian Church, 200 E. Jackson St. in Morris. Due to CDC guidelines, guests are asked to please wear facial masks. The service will be officiated by Rev. Dr. Roy Backus and can be live-streamed through the church website www.fpcmorris.org. Private inurnment will be at the Abraham Lincoln Cemetery at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Foundation of First Presbyterian Church or the Grundy County Historical Society.
Betty’s family is grateful to all of her caregivers in D-wing at Park Pointe Healthcare Center and The Gardens. Special thank you to Sarah and Jen from Lightways Hospice for their compassion and support.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 1201 W. Route 6 at Deerpath Drive in Morris. For further information, please call (815) 942-5040 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.
