Ruth Marie Ferguson

It is with great sadness, we share the passing of our loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother on December 20, 2021, at the age of 82, now with her Lord.  She was born on February 25, 1939 to Bertha (Rotzol) and Otto Venzke in Lansing where she resided her entire life. She married Keith Ferguson on July 4, 1959, sharing 62 wonderful years together along with raising their two children Keitha and Gerald.

Ruth attended Lansing schools graduating from Sexton High School. From a young age she had a talent for flower arranging, especially roses from her parent’s garden. She became a floral designer for many years at Barnes Avenue Floral where she met the love of her life, her husband.  Ruth and Keith were rose enthusiasts, known for their beautiful gardens and are Honorary members of the Greater Lansing Rose Society being recognized with a Silver Medal Honor for many years of service.

She was raised at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, where her faith was an important part of her life being Baptized, Confirmed, Married and serving for many years as the Sunday School Secretary. She was that constant presence in the life of the congregation.

She enjoyed her afternoon rides out in the country along with summer vacations with family and extended family fishing and swimming at Glen Lake. She loved opening her home for family gatherings and parties. She devoted her life to her family. She treasured being able to care for her children and grandchildren with daily phone calls and greeting cards instilling in each the traditions of faith, family and home all the blessings of which she had received from her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and many friends through the years.

She is survived by her husband, Keith; daughter, Keitha (David) Snider of Bath; her son, Rev. Gerald (Suzanne) Ferguson of Midland; her grandchildren: Amanda (Noah) Schneider of Ada, Andrew Snider of Lansing, Keith Ferguson of Honor, and Rose (William) Zank of Auburn; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Jonah and Elodie; sister-in-law, JoEllen Wing along with many nieces, cousins and godchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Charles and Norma Ferguson.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 28, 2021, at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 549 E. Mount Hope with the Rev. Matthew Smith officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the Estes-Leadley Greater Lansing Chapel on Monday from 6-8 p.m. and before the service at the Church from 10:00 a.m. until service time.  Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.