Mary Ruth Ferguson

Ruth Ferguson left this world peacefully on January 6th, 2025 with her family at her side. She was 98 years young and living in Hartland, Wisconsin in her senior living apartment.

Ruth grew up in Chattanooga and Nashville, Tennessee. She loved being outdoors, playing sports, and reading. She was a good student, and her hard work gave her an opportunity to attend college. She graduated with honors in the 40’s from Carson Newman College with a degree in Physical Education. 

Jobs in teaching were scarce when she graduated so Ruth got a job as one of the first female flight attendants for Eastern Airlines. She loved meeting people, so it was a great fit. Through one of her co-workers, she met her husband, Bruce, and they were married in 1953. 

Ruth and Bruce were opposites in many ways, but they both liked to play tennis and golf, and they were up for anything. On their honeymoon, they learned to ski, and skiing became one of their favorite pastimes. They were married for over 50 years and raised three children, lived in over 12 states, and traveled the world.

After she was married, Ruth could no longer work as a flight attendant and she got a teaching position. She taught physical education at the primary, high school and college level. Ruth also sold real estate and served as a city councilwoman. 

After retirement, Ruth and Bruce were ski bums. They worked during the ski season at several different ski resorts in the west. They lived over 20 years in Albuquerque, New Mexico, which they loved, and they made friends wherever they went. Ruth skied until she was 90 years old and was on a hot air balloon team well into her 90s.

Ruth is survived by her children Mark (Priscilla) Ferguson, Kim (Thomas Kelso Garbee) Kouri, David Ferguson; grandchildren Megan Ferguson, Brianna (Kyle) Green, Brittany Kouri Cruts, Justin Kouri; and great-grandchildren Charlotte Kearns and Jade Green. Also survived by loving extended family and friends around the country. 

She is preceded in death by her husband J. Bruce Ferguson; her parents Ed and Ethel Wofford; her son-in-law Joshua Cruts; her brothers Jack, Charles, and Luke Wofford, and sisters Inez Stevens, Nancy Marcellis, and Cynthia Laycock.

Ruth was a special person who loved her family and friends and lived life to the fullest. We will remember Ruth’s smile, the connections she made with people, and her stories. She will truly be missed.

A memorial service will be held on January 19, 2025, at Evert Luko Funeral Home, 170 Warren Avenue, Hartland, Wisconsin 53029. Visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a service immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.