The Friends of the Ferguson Home celebrate the life of one of our former members of the board of directors, Esther Arnold.
Volunteered to Serve As Board Member
Esther was such an integral part of the Ferguson, especially with new officers taking over during a planned closure. In November 2022, new officers of the board were selected. Connie Burcham volunteered to be President, Joe Bryan, agreed to be secretary, Mary Larson, treasurer, and Todd Lafferty, member at large. But we had no vice-president. It wasn’t long before Esther came and said if we needed someone, she was willing. And what an asset she was!
Looking back at my photos, there she was in March of 2023 at T.B. Ferguson’s birthday, at the Ferguson Tea in May, the 3rd and 9th grade visits, at the Flag Day in June, the July 4th celebration, and the back-to-school activity with the Watonga Eagle Band in August. She was at the Labor Day gathering. And speaking of the 3rd and 9th grade visits, Esther always enjoyed showing the kitchen. She was great with the students explaining the various kitchen utensils such as the wood-burning stove, coffee grinder, pressure cookers, old phone, dry sink, and spices.
In the fall, her unique gardening talents came into full swing. The garden along the front fence needed work. With a little help from a rotary tiller, we prepared the ground, but planting iris was one-bulb-at a time, on the knees, with care and attention. The iris bloom every spring as a monument to her. And later, we replanted the semi-circle in front of the house. She was there on her knees on her foam pad carefully placing iris, tulips, and daffodil bulbs. She was patients and kind to plants and people alike. She spread mulch with the same care and attention to detail
Every year in the spring, Esther sponsored a table for eight at the Ferguson Tea. Her place setting was always beautiful. She reached out and invite friends and neighbors.
How she had time to do so much at the Ferguson is a mystery. She was always busy leading exercises at the Senior Center, playing dominos with a neighbor or cards at the Senior Center, volunteering with the Hospital Auxiliary, and serving as the treasurer of the Oklahoma Home and Community Education club. Even when she was undergoing treatment for a serious illness, she was still there. And her front yard was completely covered by flowers. And she was generous with her bulbs, sharing with others.
We all were saddened by her declining health. But even a few days before her passing, she was at the Senior Center exercising and thereby encouraging others.
Thank you, Esther, for your kind service to others.
Joe P. Bryan, Secretary, Friends of the Ferguson
