Jeannette Yvonne Ferguson, 79, of Galesburg, died at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at her home surrounded by family.
She was born August 27, 1943 in Galesburg, the daughter of Merle C. and Camilla E. (Cannon) Brooks. Jeannette graduated from Corpus Christi High School in 1961. She received her bachelors degree in 1965 from Quincy College, and later obtained her masters degree from Western Illinois University. Jeannette taught speech, drama, English, and art at Nielson Elementary and Lombard Jr. High School for 32 years before retiring in 2000. She married Ronald S. Ferguson in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 12, 1982.
Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 40 years, Steve Ferguson of Galesburg; one son, Sean David Kistler of Galesburg; two step-daughters, Amy Martha Ferguson and Ellen (Josh) Aldus, both of Galesburg; two grandsons, Jaime (Michelle) Kistler and Alex Kistler; one great-grandson, Charlie Kistler; and seven step-grandchildren: Samantha Corrine Haag, Matthew Steven Haag, McKenzie Caroline Haag, Emily Charlotte Ferguson, Lydia Jane Aldus, Vivien Rose Aldus, and Benjamin Richard Aldus. Also surviving is one brother, Dale (Sherlene) Brooks of Galesburg; and one sister, Mary Alice Vanhoffel of Galesburg. She was preceded in death by her parents; and one sister, Maxine Brooks.
Jeannette was an avid flower gardener, loved to water ski, and enjoyed reading. She was a very good fine artist and sculptor. Jeannette was a member of her Bracken Book Club for over 20 years. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. Jeannette will be missed deeply by all who knew her.
Cremation has been accorded. There are no services planned at this time. Memorials may be made to the Galesburg Public Library. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg.
