Audrey L Ferguson

Audrey L. Ferguson was born on March 14, 1939 in the colorful city of Watsonville, CA. Her family went on to move to various states from Minnesota to eventually Kansas, which is where they stayed until returning to California many years later. There Audrey met a striking young soldier, Jim Ferguson. They married in 1959 and moved when the military assigned him to Niedenrdorf Germany for the next 2 years. Audrey enjoyed the people & food, but didn’t like having to build a fire daily under their hot-water heater!  

After returning to the States they settled in Oregon where Jim finished his schooling and coached at the U. of Oregon; his next assignment was in Tempe, AZ where they remained until moving to Spokane.  Jim later left a position at Whitworth University to take a fundraising position in Mississippi for 3 years. Audrey loved the history of the State, but not so much the humidity…  They returned to Spokane permanently in the year 2000, where they began attending First Church of the Nazarene, for the next 25 years. 

The highlight of Audrey’s life was when she and Jim were able to adopt their children, Heather & Randy.  Her blessings increased when she had three grandchildren, Stephanie & Geoffrey Gady, and Brooke Ferguson.  

Wherever Audrey went, she always built a base of friends; she kept in touch with some of them from as far back as 50 years ago. Audrey enjoyed life so much. Wherever Audrey attended church, she loved singing in a choir! Most recently she sang in a 30-voice choir at SFNAZ and felt so blessed by her music pastor there Gary Woodroof & wife Teri, along with her many musical friends from choir; she also appreciated so much her senior Pastor Bill Vaughn & wife Danene. For years, Audrey was also in charge of church rummage sales, raising funds for youth projects. She also helped many young couples, serving as a wedding planner. Audrey was known for her flair for designing jewelry, and her amazing toll paintings. Many of us reading this have her beautiful pieces today in our homes.  Having friends come to her craft-fairs was something she looked forward to, months ahead. Her home would always have the fragrance of hot cocoa or cider, and fresh-baked cookies throughout. Audrey’s home was always impeccable, filled with her flair for design and beautifully framed paintings.

When Audrey began to experience health issues over the past few years, she never lost hope. Given the option of taking more experimental cancer treatments, with fairly low cure rates she said “Let’s try it, I want to live”.  She fought bravely, with family and close friends beside her in her journey, which ended just one day short of her 84^th birthday. Audrey is survived by her husband, Jim Ferguson; daughter, Heather Gady, son-in law Phil Gady; grandchildren Stephanie & Geoffrey Gady; Also son Randy Ferguson, wife Irene and granddaughter Brooke, all of Colorado Springs, CO.  Audrey has two younger brothers; Louie (Mary) and Bill Rothstein.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that you donate to one of her favorite charities: Prison Ministries for Women, or the Salvation Army. Her memorial service will be held at First Church of the Nazarene, N. 9004 Country Homes Blvd. at 11:00 Monday, March 27^th.  A reception & light lunch at the church will follow.