Olive Ferguson, age 103 of Lake View, IA, passed away on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Twilight Acres Nursing Home in Wall Lake, IA. Olive Marguerite Nelson was born on May 16, 1922, to parents William and Mabel (Salveson) Nelson on a farm near Brayton, IA. She attended country school through the eighth grade and later graduated from Exira High School in Exira, IA. After high school, she taught country school for several years before attending Drake University to study music.
While at Drake, she met Charles Ferguson, the brother of her roommate. Their courtship blossomed through letters as Charles served in the United States Army. Before long, they were deeply in love, and Charles sent money home so his mother could take Ollie to choose her engagement ring.
Ollie moved to Kansas City to train to become a ticket agent and later worked as one in Louisiana. Charles returned from service and the two were wed on February 2, 1946, in Exira. They moved to Cedar Falls, where Charles attended the Iowa State Teachers College. They shared a home with a few other young couples before eventually moving into university housing. After Charles graduated, they moved to Huxley, then Ankeny, then Odebolt, and finally settled in Lake View, where they built a lifetime of memories.
Ollie was an exceptional cook and an amazing baker. Her homemade bread, dinner rolls, and cinnamon rolls were loved by everyone who had them. She always sent homemade cookies with Charles to his school board meetings, and she baked bars each week to help support the Legion’s bingo night—along with countless pies for the Lake View Water Carnival and church events over the years.
A gifted seamstress, Ollie made most of her children’s clothing and even crafted her daughter’s wedding dress, a masterpiece of love and skill. She enjoyed painting and once completed a large barn quilt. Arts and crafts of all kinds brought her joy. Always eager to learn, she took classes in Spanish and specialized sewing techniques. She was also an avid reader throughout her life.
Ollie and Charles enjoyed being part of bridge club—though Charles was admittedly a bit more competitive than she was. Ollie loved visiting antique shops; she cherished old things and decorated her home with unique treasures. She was a dedicated member of the Legion Auxiliary and passionately supported and volunteered at local blood drives. She was a member of several women’s clubs throughout her years in both Odebolt & Lake View. Ollie was also a devoted member and past president of PEO Chapter DS in Odebolt. She treasured all the friendships she made participating in so many things throughout her life.
Together, she and Charles tended a large garden and did extensive canning. Ollie was a talented singer and spent many years as a member of the County Chords, an a cappella group, performing at events including the Iowa State Fair. She sang for many funerals, and at home, she was always singing happy songs. Losing the ability to hold a note in later years saddened her as singing brought her so much joy throughout her life.
Ollie served for many years as the secretary at the First Congregational United Church of Christ, where she was active on the Board of Directors, involved in Women’s Fellowship, and served as choir director. She faced her fears of traveling alone and eventually made several solo trips—one to Idaho and several to Texas—to visit her cherished grandchildren.
Above all, Ollie loved her family deeply. She was endlessly proud of each of them, and nothing brought her greater happiness than time spent together. Her kindness, creativity, and gentle spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and the entire community who loved her.
Survivors include her children, Charles D. Ferguson of Denton and M. Patricia (David) Cottrill of Ames, IA; grandchildren: Erika (Benn) Sieff, Tiffany Cidlik (Lucas Johnson), Zachary (Alexandra) Ferguson, Quinn (Juliano) Hoffman, Kathryn McCoy (Nick Hike), and Chelsea Taylor (Drew Wineski); great-grandchildren Georgia and Lyle Cidlik, Logan and Riley Ferguson, Sebastian, Stefan, and Serena Hoffman, Connar and Brenna McCoy, Clover Taylor, and Magnolia Wineski; many beloved nieces and nephews; other extended family members and friends.
Ollie was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Ferguson; daughter JoEllen (Norman) Hall; parents William and Mabel Nelson; sister Edna (Arlo) Heggen; brother John (Lucille) Nelson; parents-in-law Roy and Mary Ferguson; sister-in-law Mary Lou (Ray) Borron; brother-in-law Bill (Pam) Ferguson; nephews Arthur Heggen, Richard Heggen, Duane Nelson, and Neil Schroeder.
