Barbara Bozanich Ferguson
Published 8:00 pm Thursday, September 13, 2018
- Barbara Ferguson
Surprise, Arizona
Sept. 23, 1939 — June 17, 2018
On Sept. 23, Barbara Bozanich Ferguson would have been 79 years old, but she lost her valiant battle with a rare small cell cancer on June 17, 2018, in Surprise, Arizona.
She was born in 1939 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. As an infant, her mother, Winnie Reed Craig, took her to Los Angeles, California, where she met and married John Bozanich. At age 3, Barbara moved with her family to Astoria. She attended Star of the Sea and graduated from Astoria High School in 1957. There she served as editor of the school paper, the Astor Post. She spent many years dancing with Maddox Dance Studio, and performed often.
Barbara married Douglas Ferguson in Astoria in 1963, and moved to Bainbridge Island, Washington. Their son, Douglas Fritz Ferguson, was born Feb. 2, 1966. They later divorced.
In 1962, Barbara graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in business education. She taught a year in Gonzales, California, before her marriage. After her divorce, she earned a doctorate in education from Michigan State. She taught school in Seattle and Everett.
After her retirement, Barbara purchased a home in Sun City Grand in Surprise, Arizona. She was very happy when her son was able to move into her home.
The Catholic Church was very important to Barbara, and she never missed Mass, even when traveling. She was active in the Catholic Women’s Group in Surprise, Arizona. A memorial was previously held there at St. Clair of Assisi Roman Catholic Church.
Barbara never missed a class reunion of AHS Class of 1957. She enjoyed swimming, and always looked for the local pool. She liked tasting new craft beers. She loved exploring the areas where she lived, and sharing her discoveries with friends. She loved talking to people, and learning their stories.
An informal gathering to share memories and celebrate Barbara’s life will be held on Sunday, Sept. 23 (her birthday), at Larry and Sheryl Ohler’s, at 2 p.m., at 35620 Tucker Creek Lane in Astoria. For questions, call 503-468-0365.
