Rosemary Ferguson

Rosemary Martin Ferguson, age 92, passed away at her daughter's home in Mesilla Park, NM on January 18, 2022. She was surrounded by many loving family members and her loyal cat, Olivia, as she passed from this earth into eternity with Jesus Christ. Rosie was born on May 26, 1929, in Carlsbad, NM to Charles Martin and Jennie Williams Martin. She had what she described as a "perfect childhood" growing up on the family farm in Artesia, NM. Rosie attended Artesia High School where she was active in various clubs and cheerleading. She volunteered as a candy-striper at Artesia General Hospital while in high school and shared many fond and funny stories of her time working under the instruction of the Nuns/Sisters who helped run the hospital. Because of her time at the hospital, Rosie had her sights set on becoming a nurse after graduating from high school. Rosie was married to Bob, the love of her life, for 69 years. She always got excited when her grandchildren asked her to tell them about their love story. Her senior year of high school she was surprised to begin receiving letters from her best friend's brother who was off at college. She said that she couldn't believe that Bob was interested in her because she had grown up thinking of him as a big brother of sorts. Bob and Rosie were married one month after she graduated from high school. They honeymooned for a month, and both sets of their parents joined them about 2 weeks into their adventures. Rosie moved to Waco, TX with Bob as he finished up college at Baylor University. She always got a sparkle in her eyes when she spoke of their time together in Waco. Rosie wanted to attend nursing school, however, married women were not allowed to attend nursing school at Baylor University at that time. Bob and Rosie eventually moved back to Artesia where Bob joined his father in the trucking business then later opened his own insurance business. Rosie became a full-time mother and homemaker. She quietly supported and encouraged her husband in his many career and business ventures throughout the years. Rosie evolved into an excellent cook and took immense pride in her husband, children, and home. She always had the best tips and tricks for keeping an organized home and was a stickler for following a recipe exactly as stated. Rosie was the epitome of classiness and poise and tirelessly instructed her family in the art of etiquette. Even her great-great grandchildren received instruction from her on manners and etiquette! Rosie was fittingly called "MomMom" by her grandchildren. She was a second mother of sorts to her grandchildren, many of whom were blessed to spend extensive amounts of time with her at her homes in Artesia and Ruidoso during holiday and summer breaks. She firmly but lovingly instructed them (even the boys) on correct housecleaning, yard maintenance, driving, budgeting, grocery shopping, meal planning, hosting family gatherings, penmanship, correct grammar, and of course politics! MomMom never gave her grandchildren the answer to the spelling or definition of a word or when and how something happened in history. She pointed them to the dictionary or encyclopedia, insisting that they would retain the information if they had to find the answers on their own. Rosie believed it was an honor and privilege to be a homemaker and mother yet was an advocate for women to have the same educational rights as men. She became active in PEO, Chapter J of Artesia, NM where she helped and encouraged young ladies to seek and receive further education after high school. Once her husband Bob became active in local and state politics, she made sure he knew it was his obligation to use his platform to ensure that not only women, but all people in the state of New Mexico had an opportunity to better themselves educationally. Rosie enjoyed her church and hometown of Artesia, but selflessly agreed it be best for her and Bob to move to Las Cruces with their daughter and son-in-law in 2015 because of Bob's failing health. She was a lifetime member of the Artesia First United Methodist Church and continued to attend church services "virtually" via Facebook livestream up until the week of her passing. She particularly loved when Pastor Monty played his guitar and delivered sermons! Rosie loved her family fiercely, unconditionally, and with the grace and forgiveness of Jesus! She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob Ferguson; her sons, Michael and Bobby Ferguson; great granddaughter, Hope Daugherty; and her eldest sister, Charlene Ward. Rosie is survived by her sister, Alice Morgan; son, Jim Ferguson; her daughters, Debby Hill and Candace Rieger; 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at Woodbine Cemetery in Artesia, NM on Saturday February 12th at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be gifted to PEO chapter J of Artesia, NM or First United Methodist Church of Artesia.