Obituary of Martha Lillian Ferguson

Martha Lillian Ferguson, 79, the daughter of Walter Calhoun and Evelyn (Jay) Northcutt, was born July 3, 1929 in Newton, Iowa. She was a graduate of the Newton Senior High, Class of 1947. Martha was employed by the Maytag Company in Newton, retiring in 1989 from the Accounting Department. Martha had devoted her life to her family and friends, and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, V.F.W. Auxiliary and the Women of the Moose. Martha died on Wednesday morning, September 17, 2008, in the Monarch Wing of Skiff Medical Center in Newton. She was preceded in death by her parents; her daughter, Susan Welcher in 2000; and her seven brothers. Those left to honor Martha's memory include her long time companion Lyle Ferguson of Newton; her daughter Lori (Jim) Grimes of Newton; her three grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren: Jay (Laura) Grimes and Ryan, Jordan, Taylor and Travis, Mary (Brad) Johnson and Wyatt, Peyton and Tanner; and Baylee Ward (Adam Bowen) and Aiden; a special niece, Betty Knopf; a "special sister" Gernetha Clement; and her many good neighbors and friends.