Juanita Iva (Tripp) Ferguson

Juanita I. Ferguson, long time Bitterroot resident, age 99, peacefully passed away on November 3, 2016 of natural causes after a short illness at the Discovery Care Center in Hamilton, Montana. Juanita was the youngest of five children born to John and Iva (Hobbs) Tripp on January 15, 1917, in Trenton, Missouri. During her youth she spent time in Missouri, Wyoming, California and Montana. She met her life partner George C. Ferguson while attending Hysham High School. They were married on November 20, 1935 in Hysham.  They celebrated 61years of marriage before George passed in June 1997.

Predeceased family members include her parents, husband, brothers; Howard, Olen, and Clifford Tripp, sister Mildred, grandson Robert (Robbie) Kilduff, and a great-grandson Dean Weber.

In 1937 during the 30's Depression they moved with their infant daughter (Georgia) to San Diego, California to find work. They remained there for five years where her husband worked in the construction industry. When not working they built a home in a small orange grove. Larry, their son, was born in 1942 and shortly thereafter they sold their home and returned to Montana and bought a ranch at Sula. After settling in their new home two daughters were added to the family; Judy in 1943 and Margie in 1944.

Being a ranch wife and mother involved many long days and hours of outside chores as well as being a homemaker and caring for the children. It would be 8 years before REA Electricity was available and another 4 years before indoor plumbing was installed. Today this would be thought of as a hardship, however, the adults of this era "best generation" took these inconveniences as a challenge to improve their and their families’ lives. Mom was active in local community clubs and activities and was an accomplished seamstress. She also enjoyed traveling, crocheting, acrylic painting, playing cards and games as well as listening to music and dancing.

Juanita was a loving mother, grand-mother and great-grand mother, her greatest pride and enjoyment was her family. She was loved and will be missed by all. She is survived by her daughters Georgia Kilduff, Whitefish; Judy (Len) Owings, Hamilton; Margie (John) Mikesell, Sula; son Larry (Dottie) Ferguson, Billings; and 6 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren as well as several cherished nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Monday November 14, 2016 at the Daly-Leach Chapel, 1010 W. Main Street, Hamilton, MT, with Pastor Dell Abbey officiating. A reception will be held immediately after the service at the Memorial Reception area.

The family suggests that memorials be made to the Disabled Veterans, Wounded Warriors, or a charity of your choice.