Joseph “Shep” Robert Ferguson left peacefully into the spirit world on September 19, 2013. On December 28, 1963 he married Leigh “Arlene“ Johnson.
Shep loved to rodeo and was a member of the Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede. He was a big supporter of sports in Poplar and went to every game. He was named the Poplar Super Fan by the Montana Athletic Association. He loved powwows.
Shep was known for his kind heart. He was always honoring his grandchildren and their friends with satin quilts. He worked hard at the Sun Dances on Standing Rock. He kept the fire going for the ceremony and taught many young men the duties and responsibilities to keep the fire going for the entire ceremony. Shep made sure that everyone had sage for the Sun Dance and for their crowns and wreaths. He talked to many young people on how to prepare for the Sun Dance and what is needed. Shep had a strong bond with his family and trusted in the “Creator” for guidance and strength.
Shep is survived by his son JD Ferguson (Rose),Bismarck, ND; daughters, Joel Rae Ferguson (John), Hardin, MT, Colleen Ferguson (Harold), Poplar, MT; grandsons, Miccah Dust, Billings, MT, Robert Ferguson Bismarck, ND, Grant Ferguson, Poplar, MT, Brennon Ferguson, Glendive, MT, Roderick Renz, Wolf Point, MT, and Ralph Renz, Poplar, MT; granddaughters, Leigh Spotted Bird (Iree), Brockton, MT, Ashley Weston Ferguson (Anthony), Poplar, MT; great grandchildren, Noah, Carly, My Ree, Liam, MaKenna, McKennen, Sutamani; adopted children, Loretta Kidder, Fort Yates, ND, Katherine Bailey, Fort Yates, ND, Macia Brave Thunder, Fort Yates, ND, Bernadette Dauenhauer, Bismarck, ND, Marilee Lawrence, Fort Yates, ND, Sidney Bailey Jr., Fort Yates, ND, Terry Thompson, Charles Bailey, Fort Yates, ND, Poplar, MT, Rhonda White, Fort Yates, ND, Loretta Adams, Poplar, MT, Claudia Thompson, Ivan Small, St. LaBre, MT and Sissy (Cedric) Goodhouse; adopted brothers and sisters, Verna and Sidney Bailey, Fort Yates, ND, Rusty Stafne, Karen Hamilton and Delphine Lemay, Wolf Point, MT; Special grandson Victor Brave Thunder Jr. and numerous nieces, nephews, and many, many grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife Arlene, parents Nellie and Bill Ferguson, infant daughter, Lydia Ferguson, adopted sister Cheryl Cloud, adopted son Victor Brave Thunder Sr., grandparents Kills Twice and Doorway Woman, brothers George, Henry, and Andrew Ferguson, sisters Birdre and Nora Ferguson, adopted mother Evangeline LittleHead, adopted sisters Amanda Bighorn and Romaine Firemoon.
A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, September 23 at the Poplar High School. A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 24 at the Poplar High School. Interment will follow at the Poplar City Cemetery in Poplar.
Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family using the form below.
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m.
Monday September 23, 2013
Poplar City Activity Center
Poplar, MT 59255
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 24, 2013
Poplar City Activity Center
Poplar, MT 59255
Service Schedule
Prayer Service
7:00 p.m.
Monday September 23, 2013
Poplar City Activity Center
Poplar, MT 59255
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Tuesday September 24, 2013
Poplar City Activity Center
Poplar, MT 59255
Carlos JBuck Elk | Dallas Tx says
My condolences to the family of Shep.
SSG David E. Boyd Sr. says
Our prayers are with George’s family and we are here if you need us.
David E. Boyd Sr.
Franklin C. Chopper Post 61
Kelly Cranford says
I am going to miss Shep a lot. He was such a nice man. I am blessed to have gotten to know him. He took time to tell me the meaning of the prayers and songs and why they are important.
Ann & Lawrence Lakel says
We are so sorry for the loss of your grandfather. Micah Know that we are thinking of you remembering how important he was to you.
Don Hess says
My sympathies to your family from the Big Texican as Sgt. Ferguson nick named me. May he rest in peace. Don and family.
Richard Horne says
I am so sorry for your loss. Your grandfather was my platoon sergeant in Viet Nam and the best mentor I could have had. He was a great inspiration to us all.
Dave & Cathy Wieferich says
I am sorry for your loss. Shep was a wonderful man and the most kind hearted. We will surely miss him at the Wild Horse Stampede as we could always count on Shep to help us out in the arena. What a great friend he was!
Tonya Hertel says
Missing this guy today especially. I will never forget all the lessons you taught us and love you shared for me and my daughter.