Marie Elaine Ferguson

Marie Elaine Ferguson, 90, passed away at her residence in Lake Stevens, Wash., on March 31, 2014, from a heart attack.

Marie was born on April 9, 1923, to Walter and Dora Davis at the family home in Flint, Mich.

After high school and prior to her first marriage, Marie worked in a garment factory in Cadillac, Mich. She married John Fredrick Parkhurst in October 1944 in Marion, Mich., and moved to Washington state in May 1948 with her three boys.

She married Vern Ferguson in January 1970, in Seattle, Wash.

Marie was a house wife, raising children for over 43 years. She supported herself for many years as a nursing aid in an Anacortes nursing home and as a bartender in Anacortes, Sylvana and Stanwood, Wash. Her places of residence in Washington state were Oak Harbor, Anacortes, Sylvana and Lake Stevens.

Marie was a past member of The Old Bags of Arlington, which she enjoyed immensely. Mom’s hobbies of late were crossword puzzles, family marble games and cribbage with anyone, anytime.

Marie was an avid Mariners baseball fan and kept excellent records of the games throughout the season. She knew the history of every player on the team and would set you straight when you were in the wrong on the subject. Her strongest charitable support activity was for the veterans of the United States military. During World War II three of her brothers served: George in the continental United States, Joe at Battle of the Bulge in Germany and Chuck in the Philippines under General Mac Arthur. Brother Chuck also served during the Korean War in Okinawa.

In the mid to late 1960s, three of her sons served in the Vietnam War Theater and another on active duty state side.

Marie is survived by her children, Jack Meirer Parkhurst (Marian), James Claire Parkhurst, Robert George Parkhurst, Pamela Jane (John Lateste), Paul Kevin Parkhurst (Debbie), Lori (Bob Kalac) and Rose Marie Ferguson.

Marie has 17 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by husband Vern Ferguson, first husband John Fredrick Parkhurst, sons Gerald Ray Parkhurst and Don Wayne Parkhurst and a daughter, Joan Carol Stolt (Parkhurst).

Arrangements are being made under the direction of Weller Funeral Home in Arlington, Wash.

A later date for family graveside service will be at Valley View Cemetery, Stanwood. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Marie to any military veteran organizations. Please sign the online memorial guest book at dignity memorial.com