Othelda “Opie” Ferguson

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Othelda “Opie” Ferguson, 79, of the Stillman Valley/Byron area, died peacefully Thursday, Dec. 5, 2019 at Swedish American Hospital. She was born June 8, 1940 in Bono, Ark., to Louie and Lucille (Whitmire) Harris. 

She moved to Rockford in 1950 and attended the Rockford Public Schools. She married CD Ferguson on Dec. 21, 1959. In 1969, she earned her Cosmetologist license and spent the majority of her adult life owning and operating beauty salons in Rockford and Stillman Valley. Her and CD also owned and operated The Chana Tap and later, Frisco Joe’s Bar in Stillman Valley.

Opie will be missed by her two daughters, Velda Ferguson and Mona Smith; grandchildren, Jennifer Files, Darren Files, Ryan Light, Briana (Josh) Russom, AB Clayton Smith; great-grandchildren, Bryce Files, Oliver and Avery Russom; Sister, Jean (Gene) Shively; numerous brothers/sister in-laws, nieces, and nephews. 

Preceded in death by her husband; parents; brother (Bill). 

The family would like to thank the caring staff at Generations Rehabilitation in Byron and Swedish American Heart Hospital.      

A visitation was from 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019 at Farrell-Holland & Gale Funeral Home in Stillman Valley. Burial at Stillman Valley Cemetery immediately following.  Memorials may be made out to the family to be established at a later date.