Dorothy May Howard Ferguson

Dorothy May Howard Ferguson 95, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2024.  Known to all who loved her as Dotty, Dorothy was a woman who enjoyed life and loved people. She was born in Worcester, Mass. on September 30th 1928 to Henry and Florence Hamblin.

She was preceded in death by all her siblings, Robert, William and Donald Hamblin, and Ruth Flynn and her beloved sister and dearest friend Evelyn Hopkins.

On her own at 16, with an 8th grade education, she made her way in the world with determination and perseverance.  In the days following WW2, Dotty met and fell in love with a handsome young soldier, Ralph B. Howard.  They married on April 13, 1951. Together they built a family of five children; Richard (Richelle) Howard, James (Sharon) Howard, Robin (Tom) Rabe, John (Kathleen) Howard and Russell Howard.  In 1958 they moved west to Ohio to find work and be close to her sister, Evelyn.

They were married for 54 years until Ralph’s death in 2005.  On her 78th birthday she married Ronald Ferguson.  She was fond of saying “Most people never find true love, but I have found it twice.” Ronald passed away in 2017.

Dotty will be remembered by many in the Madison area. Her outgoing, friendly personality made her a natural in her employment as a waitress, bartender, and later years as a greeter at Walmart.

She was a lifelong member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary.  Dotty enjoyed music and dancing, bowling, riding her bike, was an avid reader, enjoyed a good walk, was an excellent organizer and enjoyed playing Rummy with her grandchildren.  She will be greatly missed by her loving family including 13 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren.

Friends will be received from 10 am to 12 Noon, September 28, 2024 at the Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River St., Madison with a service immediately following at 12 Noon.

Online Obituary and guestbook at www.behmfuneral.com