Retta Ferguson

of Philip, South Dakota, died on Friday, August 1, 2003
at the Sunrise Assisted Living Community in Willowbrook, Illinois at the age of 81

Retta was born the oldest of identical twins to Ora & Mary Lancaster in East Lynne, Missouri, on February 22, 1922. She later moved to Pleasant Hill where she graduated from high school in 1940. In 1939 she traveled to South Dakota to visit her Uncle, "Shorty" Smith, where she first met "Duke" Ferguson. She returned to Missouri to finish high school after which she enrolled in Kansas City Business College. Retta then worked as a secretary in Kansas City for 2 years. After a number of visits from "Duke", they were married in Pleasant Hill, Mo. on September 5, 1943.

Retta and "Duke" lived and worked on the Rafter Cross Ranch, 35 miles northeast of Philip, for over 40 years. Many of those years they partnered with Ethel and Tom Ferguson, and Tom’s mother, Francis Ferguson. Linda and Larry Smith now run the Rafter Cross along with their daughters, Lindsey (Matt), Larissa and Lariann.

Very active in the community, Retta served for 19 years as Secretary for the Hans P. Petersen Memorial Hospital. She was also on the Haakon County Republican Election Board; the auxiliary board of trustees for the South Dakota State University Memorial Arts Center; Worthy Matron officer in the Eastern Star; active member of PEO and the Congregational Church of Rapid City.

In 1984, Retta and "Duke" retired from the ranch and moved to Rapid City where they lived until March of 2002 when they moved to the Chicago area to be near their daughters, Joan and Linda.

Retta was preceded in death by her parents and twin sister, Emma Fae Laws.

Retta is survived by her husband of nearly 60 years, Clifford L. "Duke" Ferguson, her brother, Bob Cassidy, two daughters Joan Blake (Larry) and Linda Boerwinkle (Tom), as well as grandchildren, Christopher (Jolene), Carmel, Gretchen and Jeffrey. Retta also had two great-grandsons, Dalten and Tristen Blake, a niece, Cathy Laws Waddell, a great nephew, Matthew Littler (Claudia), a great niece, Jaclyn Littler and many friends.

Retta Mae Ferguson, 81, passed away on August 1, 2003 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. At the time of her passing, Retta was a resident at the Sunrise Assisted Living Community in Willowbrook, Illinois.

Memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 23, 2003 at the American Legion Hall in Philip, with Larry Blake officiating.

A second memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 24, at the First Congregational Church in Rapid City, with Larry Blake officiating.

Private Family Interment will be in the Masonic Cemetery, Philip.

A memorial is established to the Alzheimer's Foundation.

FIRST MEMORIAL SERVICE
2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 23, 2003
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

SECOND MEMORIAL SERVICE
2:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 24, 2003
First Congregational Church
Rapid City, South Dakota

OFFICIATING
Larry Blake

MUSIC
Lynnell Parrott – Pianist
Doris Marie Strom – Vocalist
"In The Garden"
"Old Rugged Cross"

USHERS
Tom Boerwinkle – Larry Smith

HONORARY PALLBEARERS
All Relatives and Friends in Attendance

PRIVATE FAMILY INTERMENT
Masonic Cemetery
Philip, South Dakota

Service Details

FIRST MEMORIAL SERVICE
2:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 23, 2003
American Legion Hall
Philip, South Dakota

Guest Book

Sincere Sympathy and Prayers for the family.
   ~ Dean and Sally O'Dea RR 3 Box 21A, Vale, SD 57788 (8/1/2003)
My thoughts and prayers are with you Joan and your family with the passing of your mother.
   ~ Dorothy Dean Root 1318 Rose Marie Dr., Riverton, WY (8/1/2003)
Retta was one of my best friends. She was a classy gal, and I learned so much from her. She contains a chapter in my life, and was so very precious and dear to me.
   ~ Linda Smith 22822 SD Hwy. 34, Philip, SD (8/1/2003)
Our prayers and thoughts are with you. We are thinking of you at this difficult time.
   ~ Hugh and Delia Harty Philip, SD (8/1/2003)