Mostly Clear, 46° F
(August 11, 2003)
Vera Berdena Betters Ferguson, 88, died Aug. 11 in West Park Long Term Care Center in Cody.
She was born April 17, 1915, in Guthrie Center, Iowa. She graduated from Bagley High School in 1933 where she played center on the girls basketball team. She traveled to Wyoming to visit her sister and brother-in-law, Leta and George Gibson in Powell, and met her future husband, Leo Betters.
They were married on Sept. 7, 1943, in Cour'd Alene, Idaho, where he was stationed while in naval training. After honeymooning in Mexico, Mr. Betters went on to serve in World War II, and she returned to Powell to run the family business, Leo's Cleaners.
Upon her husband's return from service, they continued operating the cleaning establishment from 1945 until his death in 1972.
Later, Vera worked as a secretary/receptionist for Dr. Glenn Watters at his optometry office for a number of years. She then married John Ferguson and they were together until his death in 1984.
During her life, she was a member of Eastern Star and the First United Methodist Church in Powell for over 50 years. She received the Professional Business Woman of the year award in 1981.
She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed golf and skiing for most of their life.
Her family will remember her as an incredible seamstress who could make a silk purse out of a sow's ear without a pattern. Camping and traveling with her dog, Gigi, were among her favorite pastimes.
Survivors include her sons and daughters-in-law, Jim and Pam Betters of Cody and Bill and Karol Betters of Ft. Collins, Colo.; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Cremation has taken place. Memorial services were held Aug. 18 at First United Methodist Church in Powell.
