October 20, 1942 – August 30, 2017
Dorothy “Dottie” Ferguson passed away Wednesday, August 30, 2017 after a brief stay at St. Vincent Hospital in Billings.
She was born Dorothy Ann Cook, to Albert and Ilene (Price) Cook of Thermopolis, Wyoming on October 20, 1942 in Worland. The family moved to Casper in the early 1950’s where she attended grade school and high school. During those years she was active in many school organizations as well as 4-H, Miss Wyoming Wool Contest, and Job’s Daughters where she was Honor Queen of Bethel #40. After graduating from Natrona County High School and Casper College, she earned her BA degree from Montana State University in Bozeman, Montana. While there, she was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority.
On July 10, 1965 she married Larry Ferguson in Casper, Wyoming. Shortly thereafter, Larry joined the Navy and served as a Naval Officer during the Vietnam War. They lived in many places in the U.S. and Japan until he was discharged in the fall of 1969. They settled in Billings where they made their home for the last 48 years. For their 50th wedding anniversary in 2015, they traveled to Spain and Portugal with friends and recently celebrated their 52nd anniversary.
Dottie was employed by Ford Motor Credit and General Tire during the early 1970’s. In 1975, when Rimrock Mall opened, she began working at Hennessey’s Department Store which was later bought out by Dillard’s. She worked in many areas but primarily as a Department Head/Buyer and an Interior Decorator until her retirement in 2001. Dottie was a creative and talented decorator and jewelry designer.
Her hobbies included many different crafts at which she excelled. She was an award winning and accomplished seamstress and tailor for which she won several awards. Cross stitch was her forte, she created many beautiful pictures which were framed and given away to family and friends. She graciously made their home a welcoming and comfortable place for family and friends during the holidays and on special occasions.
Larry and Dottie traveled extensively in the United States and, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia. They particularly enjoyed the River Boat Cruises in Europe with friends.
Dottie is survived by her husband Larry, sister Sue Cook of Seattle, and sisters in-law Georgia Kilduff, Judy (Len) Owings, Margie (John) Mikesell and several nieces and nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers Warren and Albert Cook. Her family and many friends will miss her great sense of humor, laughter, loyalty, generosity and kindness. She is loved and will forever be missed by those who knew her.
A Graveside Committal Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, October 6, 2017 at the Yellowstone National Cemetery in Laurel, Montana with a reception to follow at Laurel United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 307 4th Street in Laurel. Memorial contributions may be made in Dottie’s name to Disabled American Veterans, American Cancer Society, Wounded Warriors or a charity of your choice.