Obituary of Ellen R. Ferguson

Massena – Ellen Riggin Ferguson, 97, formerly of St. Regis Nursing Home and Laurel Terrace, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, March 2, 2014. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop. Ellen was born in Philadelphia, PA on August 22, 1916, daughter of the late Herman and Winnie (Carmean) Riggin. She lived her entire life in Philadelphia until 2004 when she moved to the North Country to be near her children. She attended Calvary Baptist Church in Massena. Ellen worked for Minneapolis Honeywell for a number of years assembling electronic components. She retired about 1978 with the goal of learning to quilt by hand. Ellen belonged to the Mothers and Others, Bristol, PA; meeting weekly for an entire day often with two quilt frames set up with ladies working industriously on each. Proud of her skill, she made a quilt for each member of her family. Ellen also led historical walking tours of Bristol for quite some time. She is survived by her children, Herbert and Phyllis Spence of Massena; grandchildren, Steve and Linda Spence of SC; her great-grandchildren, Jeremy and Michelle (Spence) Archer-Waterman, MD, Steven and Mallory Spence of St. Regis Falls, and Matthew Spence of Rochester; also her great-great-grandchildren, Jaymi and Ben Spence; her daughter in law, Carol Mignoni Ferguson of Bristol, PA; and three nieces and a nephew. Ellen was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, William C., their son, W. Paul and her brother, Eldred Riggin of NM. Ellen's Memorial Service will be Saturday, March 8th, at 1 pm, at Calvary Baptist Church in Massena, near the Mall. Burial will be at a later date in Forest Hills Cemetery in Bristol, PA. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be given to Mandaville Camp and Retreat Center, c/o Bob Emmett, Director, 165 Sheldon Road, Winthrop, NY 13697-3127. Memories and condolences can be shared with Ellen's family at www.hammillfh.com.