Kathleen 'Kathi' Ann (Strong) Ferguson

Kathleen Ann Ferguson, affectionately known as Kathi to her loved ones, passed away peacefully on May 10, 2024, at the age of 73 in Iowa City, IA. Born on May 14, 1950, in Estherville, IA, Kathi's life was a testament to her unwavering faith and her deep love for her family.

Kathi's journey began as the cherished daughter of Lyle and Marjorie Strong, growing up on the family farm in Armstrong, Iowa with her younger siblings Tom and Renee, graduating from Armstrong High School in 1968. In 1969, Kathi married Joe Shields in Sherman, Texas. That union brought Jack and Jodi into the world, and they made their home in Spencer, Iowa. Kathi wed her beloved husband, Dr. Dale Ferguson, on August 15, 1981and together they shared a life full of joy and ministry until Dale’s passing in 2010. Kathi and Dale made their home in Laurens, Iowa before moving to Broken Arrow, Oklahoma to attend Rhema Bible College. After graduating from Rhema in 1993 they moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas. After retiring in 2015, Kathi moved to Mount Vernon, Iowa to be closer to family so she could spend more time with her children and grandchildren.

Kathi found comfort and strength in her family, who will remember her as the loving mother of Jack (Sue) Shields and Jodi (Travis) Galloway, and step-mother to Cynthia (Harry) Charger, Jennifer (Tony) Winslow, Melissa (Renee Ticao) Ferguson, and Scott (Ann) Ferguson. Kathi was a proud and loving grandmother to Sara, Julia, Jace, and Jackson Shields, Katie (Austin) Knake, Kaleb (Kacee) Galloway, Kassidee Galloway, Rain Charger, Joseph Winslow, Baile (Jack) Stephenson, Michael Winslow, Ethan Ticao, Danielle Ticao, and great-grandmother(Gigi) to Kaydence Knake, Boe Galloway, Paisley and Oaklee Tenley, and Zion and Beckett Stephenson. She was also a loving sister to Tom (Retta) Strong and Renee (Conrad) Anderson and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Kathi graduated from Spencer School of Business and later Rhema Bible College, where she cultivated her love for ministry and spiritual growth. Her commitment to her faith was evident in her dedication to ministering to people, whether through leading or participating in Bible studies, speaking at conferences, or bringing smiles to children's faces with her clown ministry.

Later in her life, Kathi battled the effects of Inclusion Body Myositis and Lupus. These diseases primarily affected her mobility. She fought these diseases through prayer, changing her diet, and regular exercise. She was an inspiration as she didn’t let these challenges stop her from attending church, family activities, or visiting with friends.

The words that best describe Kathi are faith-filled and loving. Her life was a living example of these qualities, as she approached every person and situation with a heart full of grace. Kathi's ability to see the good in people and to encourage them in their faith journey was one of her most remarkable gifts. She will be profoundly missed by her family and the many lives she touched.

Kathi’s going home celebration will be held at Fry Funeral Home, Tipton, Iowa on May 16, 2024. A visitation will be held from 12:00 to 12:45 pm. Kathi’s funeral services will begin at 1:00 pm at the same location. Burial will be on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Laurens, Iowa.