Barbara Reinl Ferguson Keller passed on the morning of December 7, 2022, in her home in Miles City, MT with her daughter and son-in law by her side. Barbara was 90 years old and had courageously fought COPD for years.
Born to William Reinl Ferguson and Grace Naughright Ferguson on Jan. 4, 1932, in Newark, NJ, Barbara, resided in East Orange, NJ, and graduated from East Orange High School in 1950. Her family spent many summers at the beach in Ocean Grove, NJ. The beach held a fond spot in her heart.
Barbara graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, NY in 1954 with a B.S. in Nursing, and soon afterward passed the NJ State Board Registered Nurse exam. During college, she met Charles Edward Keller, Jr., of Millburn, NJ; they married in March of 1955. They lived in Berlin while Ed was in the service. During Ed’s time in the seminary in New York City, Barbara held nursing positions with the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, East Harlem Protestant Parish, and Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx, NY. In 1962, Ed became rector of St. Agnes Episcopal Church in Little Falls, NJ. Many close friendships developed between Barbara, Ed, and the parishioners over their 34 years at St. Agnes. She fulfilled the unique and difficult role of a clergy wife with grace, compassion, strength, encouragement, humor, and endless volunteering.
Barbara returned to nursing briefly in the 70’s as an RN at Mountainside Hospital, Montclair, NJ. She subsequently earned an M.A. degree in Guidance and Counseling at Montclair State University in 1982.
Barbara and Ed had two children, Stephen Edward (1962) and Madeline Louise (1964). Barbara’s children, husband and extended family were the cornerstone of her life. They were her hobby and her passion. Summer vacations along the east coast, attending cultural events and visiting historical places, zoos and museums in the NY metropolitan area, and Thanksgiving with extended family were highlights over the years. Thanks to her exceptional preparational skills, we were never short of necessary items on these excursions. Though we strongly objected to her buttering the leftover dinner rolls at a restaurant and putting them in her purse for breakfast, we sheepishly asked for and appreciated them in the morning. Her creative, witty humor, and amusing perspective and wording frequently entertained her family. At 90, her mastery of texting on a flip phone was impressive, and the content often evoked giggles by the receiver. She loved nature and appreciated all living things, especially those soft and cuddly.
A lifelong caregiver, Barbara’s compassion for others in need was boundless. She loved and accepted people unconditionally. She cared for several family members during their times of need and was a pillar of strength, dependability, kindness, and selflessness. Following the birth of grandchild Nicole, she and Ed devoted much time to sharing Steve’s and Nicole’s lives with them. In 2010, they moved to Miles City, MT to be near Maddy’s family, and immediately immersed themselves in the community. They were spectators of any event involving their grandkids whenever possible.
Barbara was predeceased by her husband Charles Edward Keller, Jr., brother James Ferguson, sister Mary Ferguson Boyd, and niece Margaret (Ruby) Boyd.
Barbara’s survivors include son Stephen Keller, wife Twinkle, of Jersey City, NJ and daughter Madeline, husband Andrew, of Kinsey, MT; grandchildren Nicole Keller, (WA), Wyatt, Jesse, and Carly Roberts, (MT); nieces and nephews Michael Boyd (ME), Katherine Boyd Boychuk (MI), Dennis Boyd (SC), Kathleen Ferguson (MD), William Ferguson (IL), Donald Ferguson (MD) and sister-in-law Jeanne Ferguson (MD). She is also survived by her dear friends from St. Agnes, Dixie Smith (SC) and Betty Morris (NJ).
A private family celebration of life will occur following cremation.
Condolences can be made at www.stevensonandsons.com. Should friends desire, donations can be made in Barbara’s name to the Firefighters Defibrillator Fund of Miles City Fire and Rescue: 2800 Main St. Miles City, MT 59301 or the Custer County Food Bank:https://mfbn.org/resource/custer-county-food-bank/.
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Christina Ostendorf says
Dear Maddie and family,
I adored your parents and your mom/grandma was such a positive upbeat person. I loved to run into her about torn when she was still going out. She and her husband gave us their tickets to the opening of the Billings Symphony when they couldn’t go one year and it was amazing, a treasured experience. I can see your parents reunited in my mind, maybe gardening and or just sitting in a peaceful place enjoying the serenity and talking.
Our family’s condolences on her loss. I know she will be missed. Thinking of you all.
Taylor Rink says
Barbara was the sweetest! thinking of you all! She will be so missed.
Dennis Boyd says
Aunt Barb was an angel on earth to all of us. The way she and Uncle Ed took care of her mom, then Ruby, and enriched the lives of her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren was such a blessing. There would have been no Great Thanksgivings without Aunt Barb. We shall hold her in our thoughts and hearts forever. She and Uncle Ed sure knew how to live life.
Vicky Bassant says
Steve my deepest condolences to you and your family. Your Mom is at peace and with the love of her life.
Jane F. Smith says
I will miss Barbara so very much. She has been a dear friend for many years. I remember we shared many happy times with our four children collectively. Feeding the ducks at the park, trips to the YMCA with swimming lessons, the beach and many more times were shared. My prayers are with the family for peace and comfort as they go forward.
Amy Tooke says
Maddie and family,
I am sorry to hear of Barb’s passing. I enjoyed meeting your parents and I am sure they were happy to be reunited. Prayers to your family!
Matthew Barton Smith says
Barbara is such a sweet soul, I have such fond memories of our times together. I truly feel that I was in the presence of an angel here on earth and I am sure that heaven is now enriched with her presence. It is so difficult to lose the ones we love ,but rest assured we will be reunited once again. God bless all of her family.