Ronald Ferguson
March 7th, 1944 - November 22nd, 2022
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Ronald's Obituary
Ronald Bruce Ferguson, 78, formerly of New Buffalo, began his heavenly journey on Tuesday, November 22, 2022 in Michigan City, IN. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sommerfeld Chapel – 15 N. Barton St., New Buffalo, MI.
Ron was born on March 7, 1944 in Garden City, MI, to the late Herbert and Landa (Marcacci) Ferguson. He was a 1962 graduate of New Buffalo High School, and continued his education at Western Michigan University where he received his Masters of Art degree. Ron was the art teacher and yearbook advisor for the New Buffalo High School for 30 years, where he was affectionately known as “Ferg”. He also built sets and backgrounds for plays, dances and the Miss New Buffalo Pageant. He retired from teaching in 1999.
Ron loved to laugh, sing and dance. He had a way of bringing joy to people around him. He had a beautiful tenor voice, was constantly singing, and would belt out a showtune on a moments notice. He participated in many musicals productions with the Gateway Players, the Gateway Cabarat, Scotty’s Dinner Theater, and the Tin Tree Theater. Ron was a snowbird, having a home in Brownsville, TX, where he was very active with the community center participating in musical productions, variety shows, and teaching art classes. He loved to travel, especially to Italy and Europe. He traveled to Italy many times studying art and painting. He was an accomplished artist, creating beautiful watercolor paintings of landscapes, scenes from Italy, and most famously the painting of the old New Buffalo High School. Ron was also a member of St. John United Church of Christ in New Buffalo.
Ron is survived by his brother – Steven (Charlene “Cookie”) Ferguson; niece – Kris (Joseph) Ransom; and a grand-niece – Allison Ransom.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, November 28, 11:00am, at St. John United Church of Christ – 200 W. Buffalo St., New Buffalo, MI, with Rev. Linda Beushausen officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo. Visitation with the family is on Sunday, November 27, from 2:00-4:00pm, at the Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald Ferguson Art Scholarship at New Buffalo High School or to St. John United Church of Christ. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com
Ron’s spirit will remain a part of all of us. Honor him by belting out a song, dancing a little dance, and belly laughing every day! In Ron’s words, “Never stop making art. Never stop being Creative!”
Ron was born on March 7, 1944 in Garden City, MI, to the late Herbert and Landa (Marcacci) Ferguson. He was a 1962 graduate of New Buffalo High School, and continued his education at Western Michigan University where he received his Masters of Art degree. Ron was the art teacher and yearbook advisor for the New Buffalo High School for 30 years, where he was affectionately known as “Ferg”. He also built sets and backgrounds for plays, dances and the Miss New Buffalo Pageant. He retired from teaching in 1999.
Ron loved to laugh, sing and dance. He had a way of bringing joy to people around him. He had a beautiful tenor voice, was constantly singing, and would belt out a showtune on a moments notice. He participated in many musicals productions with the Gateway Players, the Gateway Cabarat, Scotty’s Dinner Theater, and the Tin Tree Theater. Ron was a snowbird, having a home in Brownsville, TX, where he was very active with the community center participating in musical productions, variety shows, and teaching art classes. He loved to travel, especially to Italy and Europe. He traveled to Italy many times studying art and painting. He was an accomplished artist, creating beautiful watercolor paintings of landscapes, scenes from Italy, and most famously the painting of the old New Buffalo High School. Ron was also a member of St. John United Church of Christ in New Buffalo.
Ron is survived by his brother – Steven (Charlene “Cookie”) Ferguson; niece – Kris (Joseph) Ransom; and a grand-niece – Allison Ransom.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, November 28, 11:00am, at St. John United Church of Christ – 200 W. Buffalo St., New Buffalo, MI, with Rev. Linda Beushausen officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in New Buffalo. Visitation with the family is on Sunday, November 27, from 2:00-4:00pm, at the Sommerfeld Chapel in New Buffalo. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald Ferguson Art Scholarship at New Buffalo High School or to St. John United Church of Christ. Friends wishing to leave the family a message of condolence may do so at www.sommerfeldchapel.com
Ron’s spirit will remain a part of all of us. Honor him by belting out a song, dancing a little dance, and belly laughing every day! In Ron’s words, “Never stop making art. Never stop being Creative!”
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