Judith Hope Ferguson

The strength and tenacity of Judy (Stave) Ferguson was not enough to keep her from succumbing to a rare neurological disease, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP). Her brave navigation with this disorder surprised doctors and family alike, as most with PSP live 5 to 7 years. She lived with it for more than 15 years. We are all lucky to have enjoyed that big smile for as long as we did.

On April 28th, at 84 years old, Judy was reunited with her husband, Jim, who she missed every day since his departure in 2002. No doubt they are on a fishing boat somewhere, catching crappies and sunnies. Besides fishing, she always enjoyed gardening, cooking and spending time with her 5 children, Teri Thompson, Tami Glasbrenner, Robby Ferguson, Ritchie Ferguson and Randy Ferguson, six grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Judy also loved getting together with all of her full-blooded Norwegian siblings (8 sisters and 1 brother), and their families. Judy was hard-working and fun-loving. Always ready to help others and bring joy and laughter into the mix.

Her wishes were no funeral, but rather a gathering with those closest to her. A private burial will be held on Wednesday, May 7th at Lakeside Cemetery in Randolph. A celebration of life with family is planned for Memorial Day weekend at the Stave farm in Cannon Falls. There, her remaining ashes will be scattered on the rolling countryside where she found joy in the hard work of farm life growing up.

A GoFundMe page has been set up for donations to her favorite cause, Caring and Sharing Hands. The link is gofund.me/f7605ab3. Judy would be just as happy and smiling if you chose to donate goods or your time to a local food shelf or soup kitchen.