Esther “Ruth” Ferguson, 101, of Liberty, IL died Tuesday (September 11, 2018) at Blessing Hospital. She was born January, 23, 1917 in Camden, IL, a daughter of John and Sarah (Morrell) Reeder. Ruth was the second oldest of twelve children. She saw many changes in her lifetime. She married Lyle Ferguson March 15, 1945. He predeceased her on July 2, 2008. Lyle and Ruth farmed all their lives until 2006 when they sold their family farm. Friends and family remember the wonderful dinners she would prepare for family get-togethers.

Mowing her yard both on the farm and their home in Liberty was something she enjoyed immensely. She mowed even at the age of 100. Ruth was a Liberty School cook from 1967 starting at age 50 and retiring at age 81 in 1998. She loved the students and co-workers and many have fond memories of her.

Survivors include her daughter Ramona Schoonover and her husband Scott. Their children Shelby Crow and her husband Tom, their children Taylor, Nolan and Lexi. And son Chris Schoonover.

Her son Joe’s children: Daughter Angela Boyer and her husband Mike. Their children Trevor Rossmiller, Travis Rossmiller and his wife Brenna and their son Noah, Jeremy Boyer and his wife Heather and their son Jonathon, Brandy Rocchio and her husband Tony, and son Josh Boyer. Daughter Amy Wagner and her husband Rich. Their children Kelsey Barry and her husband Eric and their daughter Elliot, and daughters Katie Wagner and Kenzey Wagner. Son Wes Ferguson and his girlfriend Kandi Blanton and their son Dalton Burkes. Daughter Wendy Kuhn and her husband Rob. Their children Kyle, Kaylee, and Kameron. Anita Ferguson and her wife Kacie and their children Stella and Nash.

Her daughter Cheryl’s children: Daughter Sara Bowen and her children Kyron, Kaytrien, Alex and Carsyn. And son John Bowen and his girlfriend Laura Castetter.

Two sisters, Delores Armstrong and Imogene Nell.

Also survived by a special friend, Jolene Wagner, who was like a daughter to her.

In addition to her husband, Ruth was preceded in death by her son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Norma Ferguson and daughter Cheryl Bowen. Nine siblings predeceased her.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in Liberty Christian Church, Liberty, IL. Interment will be in Liberty City Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday morning from 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. at Liberty Christian Church. Memorials may be made to Liberty Christian Church, Liberty Education Foundation, or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. These organizations were special to her. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.