Bette Jean Ferguson, age 77, passed away on September 18, 2025, at Ohio Health Hospital in Shelby, following a brief illness.
Bette was born on January 19, 1948, in Albert Lea, Minnesota, to the late Lawrence Stevens and Lorene (Krueger) Nagel. She had been a Galion, Ohio resident for the majority of her life. At age 65, Bette converted to Judaism and learned to read, write, and speak it fluently. She attended the Sar Shalom Center in Mansfield, Ohio, where she was heavily involved with church activities. She was an incredibly artistic and talented woman that had a passion for painting and was an avid piano player.
She is survived by her children, Ronald Baxter Jr. of Mansfield, Edward Baxter of Sarisota, Florida, and Renee Rhinebolt of Toledo, Ohio; four grandchildren; multiple great-grandchildren; siblings, Mary and James Stevens both of Mansfield, and brother-in-law, James Rapp of Coshocton, Ohio.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard Ferguson, and sister, Susan Rapp.
No services will be observed at this time.
Memorial contributions may be made out to the Sar Shalom Center at 2510 4th St. Mansfield, OH 44906.
Condolences may be made online at barkdullfuneralhome.com.
The Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to assist the Ferguson Family with arrangements.
Funeral Home: Barkdull Funeral Home & Crematory
Website: www.barkdullfuneralhome.com