Obituary: Eileen B. Ferguson

Eileen B Ferguson, 89, died peacefully under hospice care on Sept. 10. Two days prior, Eileen was working a volunteer shift when she fell. Eileen was flown to Phoenix, where her daughter Erica lives. It appeared at first that her injury was not threatening, but unexpected internal bleeding led quickly to being transferred to a Hospice of the Valley.

Eileen Ferguson moved to Prescott over 25 years ago and had, as she noted, been involved in so many local activities that she “lost count”. While small in stature, Eileen always seemed to stand out in a crowd and was easily recognized by her signature long hair and ponytail holders that color-coordinated with her outfits. Most recently she could be spotted volunteering at the Library, the Highlands Center, or at events as a Master Gardener. Over her years in the community Eileen’s diverse involvements included local archaeology, birding, assistance at Northland Cares and with Teen Maze, and volunteering with Granite Peak UU Congregation for Empty Bowls. She also offered what she referred to as “pro bono” proofreading services and newspaper clipping. The archives of several local entities have benefited from her keen observation. Eileen’s daughter Erica Ferguson lives in Phoenix but loves Prescott. Showing up before the opening bell at the farmers market, volunteering together at plant sales, unloading library donations, the “Eileen and Erica” duo was a common sight.

A native of New York City, Eileen June Boecklen was born on Aug. 18, 1927 to parents Karl Heinrch Boecklen and Elly Marie Louisa (Schulze) Boecklen. Eileen is survived by brother Karl and his wife Shirley in Tyler, Texas and their family. The daughter of German immigrants, Eileen described growing up “on the streets of” New York. Childhood photos included the backdrop of the Empire State Building down the street from where they lived.

An anthropology professor at Hunter College sparked a love of the Southwest. Eileen’s first venture was by train three days after a mid-winter graduation in 1949 to teach in Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico. Eileen later returned to attend the University of Arizona’s noted archaeological field schools, Point of Pines. She was one of 159 women out of the 278 students who studied there.

Eileen met Charles Wesley Ferguson, Jr., at the UofA and they married in Nov. of 1960. Wes Ferguson became one of the first professors in the new field of Dendrochronology. His work in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest of California meant Eileen, and later Erica, spent many summers amid the oldest living trees on Earth. Eileen’s last employment before retirement was at the UofA, where she took graduate classes in higher education and worked with transfer student records.

During her years in Tucson, Eileen was in the first docent class at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in the early 70’s, and logged hundreds of docent hours at the Desert Museum. After the death of her husband, Eileen relocated to Prescott. While amusing coming from a New York City native, Tucson had become “too big”. As it turned out, Prescott was just the right size for this small woman with a big heart and giving soul.

A memorial service for Eileen will be held this Saturday, Oct. 15, at 2 p.m. at Granite Peak UU Congregation at 882 Sunset Ave in Prescott. In lieu of flowers, Erica invites friends to make a donation, volunteer, feed birds, garden, or in whatever way remember Eileen in thoughts and actions.

Information provided by survivors.