Kathy Ferguson

If there is one word to describe Kathy Ferguson, it would be selfless as putting others ahead of herself came naturally to her. She was a devoted wife, nurturing mother, and homemaker extraordinaire who couldn’t wait to be a grandmother someday. Kathy had a way of making everything special and was full of a zest for life that was contagious to those around her. She traveled some, but was never happier than when she was surrounded by her loved ones. A true gift in every way, Kathy will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.

The 1960s were some of the most turbulent years our nation has ever seen. The country was divided on civil rights and women’s rights, yet we came together and celebrated our accomplishment of putting a man on the moon. Within this challenging time was the year 1961 that brought great joy to one young family from Detroit, Michigan, as they celebrated the birth of a healthy baby girl on June 28th. Baby Kathy was the middle of five children born to her parents, John and Patricia (Hudak) Murray, and was raised in the family home alongside her siblings, Mary, John, Daniel, and James. She was a tomboy who loved to swim from the time she was a young girl and she excelled in the sport as well. When she was a sophomore in high school Kathy moved to Troy with her family. There, she attended Athens High School and although academics were never really her thing, she enjoyed playing on the school basketball team. Kathy went on to graduate from high school in 1979.

As a young woman Kathy got married, and she was overjoyed to become the mother to her beloved daughter, Erin, in 1985. It was also around this time that she moved to Lawton. Although her marriage later ended in divorce, Kathy was forever grateful for the daughter they shared.

Someone who never shied away from hard work, Kathy began working as a waitress at Big T’s in Lawton. It was her work there that paved the way for her introduction to the man of her dreams. His name was Terry, and he was going through the beer club so Kathy happened to wait on him rather frequently. When out with a group one night, she and Terry ended up pairing up, and they hit it off right away. A whirlwind romance ensued, and they quickly got married on October 20, 1990, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Paw Paw. After a honeymoon on a Caribbean cruise the couple settled into a place in Lawton. Together they were blessed with the birth of their son, Terry, Jr, or T.J., in 1991. Kathy lived to take care of her family and was her children’s most devoted supporter in whatever they did. She was Erin’s biggest fan at all of her basketball games and always wanted the best for her children. It comes as no surprise to those who knew Kathy that she took every opportunity to spoil her children as well. She loved to cook, and everything that came out of her kitchen was fantastic with her stroganoff and spaghetti being among the family favorites. Kathy was a bit of a domestic goddess as there was never even a dish left in the sink.

After working at Big T’s for 12 years, Kathy began working at Bistro 120 where she remained for six years. Finally, she worked as a cashier at Sam’s Club for two years, but she had not been working for the past year.

Throughout her journey Kathy’s life was enriched in many ways. She loved the holidays and took advantage of the opportunity to shower her children with an abundance of gifts and toys. Kathy also made sure that her children had overflowing Easter baskets each year, which was a tradition that was still in place this past Easter. The fall was her favorite time of year as she could never get enough of the vibrant tapestry of colors on several color tours. Kathy had a special place in her heart for cats, and she had a feline companion for most of her life. One of her most recent cats, Sonny, was a dear friend, and she was deeply saddened with his death just a short time ago. Kathy adopted another cat just two weeks ago. She liked bowling and loved going to South Haven, and together with her husband Kathy did a bit of traveling. Their adventures took them on a couple of cruises, often for New Year’s Eve, and to Australia when Terry’s brother got married. Later in life Kathy got into walking as well as decorating, painting, and staining the house. When it came to music she enjoyed the oldies, and she often kept busy reading People magazine and doing crossword puzzles. Kathy was never much of a computer person, but she enjoyed watching television shows like Intervention, Law and Order, and The First 48, and she was also a huge fan of the Detroit Lions.

The list of things to love and appreciate about Kathy Ferguson is extensive. She was 100 percent Irish, red hair and all, and so full of life each and every day. Kathy lived to please others and made sacrifices with ease. She was intuitive and had a unique ability to read others through years of serving countless people as a waitress. Kathy’s devotion to her family was unmatched, and her love for others was never ending. Taken from those she loved much too soon, Kathy’s memory will remain forever near and dear to the hearts of many.

Kathy Ferguson died on May 21, 2012, at her home. Kathy’s family includes her husband, Terry Ferguson; 2 children: Erin Straube and Terry Ferguson, Jr.; 4 siblings: Mary Hensley, John Patrick Murray, Daniel Murray and James Murray. An informal gathering will be held at Big T’s in Lawton - on June 3, 2012 from 2:00-5:00 PM. She is survived by her husband of 21 years, Terry Ferguson, Sr.; 2 children: Erin Straube and Terry Ferguson "TJ"; 4 siblings: Mary Hensley, John Patrick Murray, Daniel Murray and James Murray. Please visit Kathy’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a favorite memory or photo of her and sign her online guestbook. Memorial donations may be directed to Susan G. Komen Foundation of Southwest Michigan. Arrangements by Life Story Funeral Homes - Betzler & Thompson, Paw Paw; 60900 M-40 Highway, 657-3870.