Dorothy Ann Ferguson

Dorothy Ann Marshall Ferguson (D.A.) LA CROSSE - She approached life with the curiosity of a chemist and the spirit of an athlete. She knew how to get things done, and she had fun doing them.

Born on October 2, 1930, in Huntington, West Virginia, D.A. was the daughter of the late Mahrea Goucher Marshall and Edmund Aaron Marshall. She and her brother grew up riding horses in the hills of West Virginia. D.A. left the Huntington School District prepared to pursue science, graduating from Hollins University with a degree in Chemistry. She soon became a chemist at Union Carbide in South Charleston, WV.

Life shifted gears when she married her high school sweetheart, William Hugh Ferguson in Huntington, on October 3, 1953. They began their married life with Bill’s Army service at Fort Sill, OK. During this time, D.A. continued to use her expertise, working as a chemist at the Fairmont Creamery in Lawton, Oklahoma, near the base. After Bill’s Army service, they chose La Crosse as their home, where Bill began his career at the Trane Co. When they moved to La Crosse, D.A. transitioned her analytical skills into teaching, earning a teacher’s certificate from UWL and serving as a beloved school teacher in the district.

Dorothy Ann was a force in the community, balancing keen social involvement with a robust athletic life. She loved playing tennis, golf, bridge, and in later years…tap dancing. She approached the outdoors with enthusiasm—bicycling, canoeing, and cross-country skiing were favorite pursuits. Her commitment extended to many local organizations, including the First Presbyterian Church, Chapter BI, PEO, the Antique Study Group, UWL Self Sufficiency Program Board of Advisors, and the Mississippi Gamblers Investment Club. She also dedicated her energy to civic efforts as a member of the Self Sufficiency Board of Advisors. She devoted countless hours to Meals on Wheels, American Red Cross and the Pump House Regional Arts. Dorothy Ann was instrumental in the historic designation and preservation of the McGilvray “Seven Bridges” Road.

D.A. died in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on Sunday, February 8th, 2026. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, William H. Ferguson, and by her brother Edmund G. Marshall. She is survived by her three sons, all residing in California: William M. Ferguson (Phuong Ferguson), James T. Ferguson (Linda Allison), and Bruce T. Ferguson (Beatrice Ferguson). She leaves behind four grandchildren: Ian Ferguson (Amy Alayari), Andrew Ferguson, Gina Ferguson, and Blake Ferguson. She is also survived by nephews Edmund A. Marshall and Robert G. Marshall, niece Sarah Zimmerman, and several grand nieces and a grand nephew.

Memorial services will be conducted on Saturday, February 28th at 11am at The First Presbyterian Church, 233 West Ave South in La Crosse, by Pastor Taylor, with visitation beginning at 10 am. Following the service, a luncheon will be held. The family requests that donations be provided to the UWL Self-Sufficiency Program in lieu of flowers.