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.