Obituary of Miriam Cecel Ferguson

Miriam Cecel Ferguson on June 20, 1919 at Grundy Center, Iowa to Samuel and Clara Moats. She graduated from Conrad High School. On August 12, 1938 she was married to Eldon Ferguson. The couple farmed near Waukee for four years before moving to Urbandale where he developed a bridge painting business. They operated this business for 17 years before founding Ferguson Manufacturing in 1962. They moved operations to Spirit Lake in 1964. Their son David worked with them until his death in 1988. Their grandson Todd joined them in 1993 and continues to manage the business. After Eldon's death in 2000, Cecel continued to be involved on a daily basis until only a few days before her death. During her lifetime, Cecel was a member of the Friends Church of Arnolds Park, Stover Memorial Church of the Brethren in Des Moines, and Ivester Church of the Brethren of Grundy Center. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, cooking and caring for her family and the family business. Cecel died July 31, 2009 at Milford Care Center. Surviving are her sons, Glen Ferguson (Karolyn) of Lenexa,, KS and Keith Ferguson (Cindy) of Portland, OR; daughter-in-law, Alice Leiss (Mark) of Spirit Lake: grandchildren, Todd Ferguson, Kara Cooper, Craig Ferguson, Julie Mitchell, Sondra Ripperger, Heather Ferguson and Emily Ferguson and 6 greatgrandchildren. Preceding Cecel in death were her daughter, Carol Jane, son, David, and husband, Eldon.