Obituary of Carla Jean Ferguson

Carla Jean Ferguson, 58, of Orting, Washington, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2019 surrounded by her loved ones. Carla was born on August 25, 1960, in Puyallup WA to Robert and Monalee Cope. She grew up in Orting, WA and attended school there where she had many fond memories and friendships. She was a cheerleader and enjoyed working at Taco Time in high school before graduating in 1979. Carla then went on to college at Washington State University where she spent 3 years making memories she spoke of often; she was so proud to be a “COUG”. In 1982 she met her future husband, Gary. They were married in 1984 in Sumner, WA where they lived and started a family while Carla worked at The Kirk Company. In 1988 they moved back to Orting where they built a house and raised their family. Soon thereafter, Carla began working for Pierce County and worked there for 12 years before working at the WSU Extension Center in Puyallup for the remainder of her career. In 2015 she retired from working to focus on her health and spending time with her grandkids. Though Carla was a type 1 diabetic, had bells palsy as a child and fought a 19-year battle with breast cancer, most people had no idea because she never showed nor complained of the pain, struggles, and all the challenges caused by these illnesses. She never let her diagnosis keep her from enjoying the many things she loved to do. She enjoyed gardening, reading, sewing, watching Cougar Football and attending her children’s sporting events. She also loved spending time at their place in Hoodsport, WA going crabbing, shrimping, and clam digging as well as camping and traveling to Alaska and around the country with her husband. Although, Carla had many fulfilling pastimes, she especially loved being a mother and raising her children and later becoming a grandmother. Carla will be remembered for being sweet, kind, caring, and always having a positive attitude. She is survived by her husband of 34 years Gary Ferguson; son Sam (Becky) Ferguson, daughter Jackie (Cody) Cameron; grandchildren Ellie, Carly and Colton; mother Monalee Cope; siblings Carol Skinner and Chuck (Shawn) Cope and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her Father, Robert Cope and sister Candy Baskett. A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, July 14th at 2:00pm at the Orting Eagles Hall with reception to follow. 112 Bridge St. S, Orting, WA 98360.