Patricia Louise Ferguson

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Gazelle resident, Patricia (Patty) Ferguson, on Saturday, August 18th, in the Gazelle Grange at 11:00 a.m. with a potluck lunch to follow. Patty was born on October 28, 1942. While residing in southern California, Central Oregon and Nevada for her first fifty five years, Patty's roots were firmly grounded in the soil of Gazelle. As a child Patty lived in “the big house” owned by her grandparents, Floyd and May Wright. After her family moved away she spent many summers, first with her parents and siblings, then with her husband and children, enjoying time with her extended family. Upon their retirement, Patty and her husband, Larry, bought a home and settled down for good in Gazelle in 1997. Patty lived a very simple life, choosing to focus on her family, her faith and her ties to the community. She served faithfully as the treasurer of Gazelle Community Church and Gazelle Grange for many years. She lived to serve others and found it difficult to ask for help and assistance, preferring to be on the giving rather than receiving end. She spent thousands of hours crocheting pot holders and hot pads for anyone who expressed a desire to have them, never asking for more than a “thank you” in return. In her final years Patty had two passions: her grandchildren and her Yankees! She was an armchair umpire extraordinaire. She knew each player, had nicknames for her favorites, and never missed a game! Her family learned to check and see what time the game started each day, knowing very well that Granny’s motto was “Don’t mess with my Yankees!” As Patty’s physical health began to decline, her faith and desire to make her final journey grew stronger as each day passed. In July of this year her children, grandchildren and great grandson all gathered to spend time with her, allowing her to check off the last item on her bucket list. On Thursday, August 9th, Patty was admitted to Fairchild Medical Center. She stubbornly struggled for each breath until both her children arrived to hold her hands. As the time drew near, a look of peace that passes all understanding settled on her face. Patty was pronounced to have arrived at heaven’s gate on Sunday, August 12, 2018, at 8:49 p.m. and she is now breathing easy! Patty is survived by her children Keith and Pam; Grandchildren Katie, Joseph, Lizzy, Tyler and Jayson; Great Grand Son David. Patty was preceded in death by her husband, Larry; parents Betty and Forrest; siblings Floyd, Dennis and Kathleen. Patty’s final words, found on her kitchen table, were for all to hear: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gazelle Community Church, P.O. Box 201, Gazelle, CA 96034.

Patricia Louise Ferguson

October 28, 1942 - August 12, 2018