Melanie L. Ferguson, 74, passed away unexpectedly from a Pulmonary Embolism at her residence on December 5, 2020.
Melanie was born November 28, 1946, in Richmond, Indiana, the daughter of Mark and Phyllis (Wallin) Garrett.
She attended Boston High School and graduated from Richmond High School in 1964. On November 28, 1965, she married Ray Ferguson, and they began their family shortly thereafter. In 1970, Melanie graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education.
Melanie was a stay-at-home mother for several years before substitute teaching for Delaware Community Schools for twenty years. It was during this time that she became known as “Mrs. Ferguson” to any student or staff member whom she encountered. In 2001, Mrs. Ferguson took a maternity-leave substitute position at Yorktown Community Schools, and she would remain at Yorktown until 2015, with the majority of those years spent as an Instructional Assistant for Special Education students. A lifelong learner herself, and a fierce advocate for her students, Melanie became certified in a multitude of areas, including as a Reading Specialist and an Orton-Gillingham Multi-Sensory Specialist before retiring in 2015. In addition, she enjoyed tutoring students after school and during the summers.
Melanie was an avid sports fan who loved rooting for the Cubbies, supporting Ball State University Football and Basketball, supporting the Cardinal Varsity Club and attending various Muncie activities. She and Ray were also very involved in the Muncie Jaycees and Jayshees organizations. She also enjoyed helping her sister Molly with her dance studio from helping with costumes, ticket sales and being that smiling face to greet guests at the dance recitals. Her greatest joy, however, was found in anything involving her children, grandchildren and her dear great-granddaughter. No matter the time, the place, or even the weather, Granny and Grampy could always be counted on to be there for everything from Grandparents’ Nights, to sporting events, to holidays, birthdays, graduations and weddings.
After several years of heart problems, in September of 2016, Melanie received the undeniable gift of additional time with her family by being the recipient of a new heart…something for which her family and friends will always be thankful.
Melanie is survived by her husband of 55 years, Ray; their three children, Lori Ferguson (Brian Hite) and Mark Ferguson (Stephanie Uehlin) of Indiana, and Pete Ferguson (Jarrin) of Tennessee; eight grandchildren, Zack Ohrvall, Jordan Ferguson (fiancé Olivia Wimmenauer), Kaleb Ferguson, and Lillian Ferguson, all of Indiana, and Kailey Ferguson, Kiley Moore, Avery Ferguson and Aiden Ferguson of Tennessee, as well as one great-granddaughter, Charlotte Ohrvall of Indiana. She is also survived by her sisters, Molly Ervin (Mark), and Melissa Reece, both of Indiana; and Michelle Garrett of Georgia; niece Priscilla Ervin (Sam Beasley) and nephew Zach Ervin (Kate Brierty) of Indiana, nieces Monique O’Grady (children Garrett and Bailey) of New York, Nicole Reece (daughters MacKenzie Dunckel – husband Jeremiah and children Lennox and Lofton, Madison Farris and Macie Twine) and aunt Dena Staats, all of Indiana.
Melanie was preceded in death by her parents.
Private Services will be held at The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory.
Because Melanie was a heart transplant recipient, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Indiana Donor Network, 3760 Guion Road, Indianapolis, IN 46222.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.meeksmortuary.com.