Linda Ruth Ferguson's Obituary
Linda Ruth (Oudsema) Ferguson, age 74, returned to her heavenly home unexpectedly on June 6, 2025. Linda was born to Richard and Ruth (VanHaften) Oudsema on May 12, 1951. In 1979, Linda married her husband Mark at Laketon Bethel Church in Muskegon, Michigan. Linda’s first job was at her father’s grocery store, Henry’s Food Fair, where she worked alongside her siblings. Linda found her true passion in teaching and received her degree from Kalamazoo College. She worked for many years as an adult education teacher at Orchard View Public Schools. She later became the activities director at Christian Care Assisted Living, where she led bible studies for the residents. Prior to her retirement in 2020, Linda became the chaplain at Christian Care, which she enjoyed immensely.
Linda will be remembered as the compassionate voice of reason in the lives of those who loved her. She loved and cared for everyone around her and would put in extra effort to stay connected with her friends. Linda was an excellent listener who approached every situation with patience and grace. She dearly loved her family. Linda went on many excursions with her husband, Mark, daughter Mandy, and son-in-law, Jared, and adored her new granddaughter, Lucy, whom she was always eager to babysit. Linda enjoyed the outdoors, particularly hiking, biking, kayaking, and chatting around a bonfire. Linda was a passionate bird watcher and enjoyed taking pictures of the beautiful Michigan scenery and wildlife.
Linda was a faithful follower of Jesus who was gifted in teaching others about the faith. Linda was a member of Discovering Christ Church, where she taught adult Sunday school for over 45 years and served as an elder.
Linda was a remarkable wife, mother, grandmother, sister, teacher and friend who will be greatly missed by her husband, Mark; daughter, Amanda (Jared) Jaggers; granddaughter, Lucy Jaggers; siblings, Beth (Michael) Gerst and Matthew (Susan) Oudsema; niece, Anna Oudsema; nephew, Ben Oudsema; brothers-in-law, Rick (Carol) Ferguson and Greg (Vicky) Ferguson. Linda is preceded in death by her parents, Richard and Ruth Oudsema, and parents-in-law, Jack and Vera Ferguson.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Discovering Christ Church, 2330 Holton Rd., Muskegon, MI 49445. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service. The service may be viewed through live stream at https://www.youtube.com/@DiscoveringChristMuskegon. Memorial contributions in Linda’s memory may be made to Love Inc., The National Audubon Society, or The Alzheimer’s Association.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Sytsema Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 737. E. Apple Ave., 49442. Share memories online with the family at https://sytsemafh.com.
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