Celestine “Sally” Bertina (Gorr) Ferguson Sams Strom, age 90, passed away on Monday, March 21, 2022 at Holy Rosary Healthcare surrounded by her family.
Celestine (Sally) was born May 6, 1931 in New England, North Dakota to Louis August and Elda Louise (Wendling) Gorr. When she was two years old in 1933, the family moved to West Port, Minnesota. Later in the spring of 1938, they moved to a farm at Gutches Grove, Minnesota. The family continued to live there until their mother came down with severe asthma in 1943. In April of 1944, upon the doctor’s suggestion that a dryer climate may help, her sister Betty brought their mother by train to Miles City, MT where Elda’s sister lived. The rest of the family stayed behind in Minnesota to help get the farm ready to be sold.
During this time in Miles City, Sally got some of her schooling in Miles City and she helped keep the house for her dad until she married Clarence Paul Ferguson on October 9, 1948 in Miles City, MT. To this union were born four sons – Robert, Tony, Paul and Donald Ferguson and a daughter.
Sally worked all of her life as a waitress, clerk and hostess at McDonald’s. She also was involved in clubs such as the Navy Mothers, Eagles Auxiliary, Veterans Council, VAVS at the VA Hospital and volunteer work at the VA. She enjoyed going camping and fishing with her family. Celestine helped as a Road Guard for 19 years, with The Christian Motorcyclists for funeral escorts.
After Clarence passed away on July 7, 1987 from cancer, Sally later met Lee Sams at the Miles City Drop In Center and they were married on February 10, 1992 in Miles City. She became a rancher’s wife in Biddle, MT and Recluse, WY country. Sally & Lee enjoyed the country life along with playing cards and most of all dancing. Lee passed away on October 1, 2001 from cancer as well.
Once again, Sally met Keith Strom at the Drop-In Center in Miles City in April of 2002. They were married on September 7, 2002. They both like to dance and ride their motorcycle and traveling together in their 5th wheel trailer. When Keith drove truck, Sally always went with him. Over the many years, she has also liked doing crafts.
Sally was preceded by her parents, sister Betty Marton, Brother Robert, half-brother Bill (Helen) Schweight, half-sister Pearl (Leon) Anderson, one infant daughter, son Robert Ferguson and two husbands.
She is survived by her husband, Keith; three sons Tony (Cindy) Ferguson, Paul (Yolanda) Ferguson and children Faith (Eddie) and their children Havyn, Tenley and Everett, Raymond and Clarissa, Donald (Vicky) and their children, Brandy, Ann, Rachel, Lisa and Amy and great-grandchildren; Daughter-in-law, Mary Ferguson and children Suzanne and Rebecca (Eric) and their children Scarlett, Landon, Maassen and Maverick, great-grandson Cameron; 3 step-children, Rod (Vicky) Strom and their sons Justin and Riley, Letha & David and his son Eric.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 1st at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 3:00-5:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 2nd at 11:00 am at the First Baptist Church in Miles City. Interment will be held in the Custer County Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday April 1, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 2, 2022
First Baptist Church
900 Palmer
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
After Funeral Service
Saturday April 2, 2022
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Friday April 1, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday April 2, 2022
First Baptist Church
900 Palmer
Miles City, Montana 59301
Interment
After Funeral Service
Saturday April 2, 2022
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
GARY AND Pat Helm says
so ssorry to see sallys passing she was such a njce lady, she will be missed by many, god bless you and ypurs keith take care of yourself,
Karen Morris says
A ray of sunshine has left our neighborhood. Sally was always a delight to visit with. We will all miss her chipper conversation and enthusiastic waves as she went past. My condolences to her family. May you find comfort in your memories.
Bobbi Durst Askin says
So many fun memories – all the years you worked for my Dad at the Furniture Mart and all the dinners and card games at your house. What a grand lady you were and so full of fun. Thank you for all the years of your friendship and for being a great Mom to your sweet bunch of boys. I will miss you Sally and the fun visits. Many prayers to the family – Love always to all of you.
Ruben and June Opp says
Keith,Toni,Paul ,Donnie and all of your families, we are so saddened by the passing of your mom,grandma and our very special dear friend of ours for many years.Our prayers are that God will bless and comfort you all during this difficult time and the days ahead as you remember the fun times you all had in the years gone by.
We love you all Ruben and June Opp
Harriet Morton Jansen says
So sorry to hear Sally passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with Keith and the Bub Morton families.
Vanessa James says
So sorry to hear of sally’s passing she was an amazing women and will be missed by so many
Darbie Karch and family says
Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Sally was an amazing person. Jack of all trades. Always doing something. She will be missed by all. 💕
Joe and Ginger says
Paul, Yolanda and families – hugs and prayers to all of you, so very sorry for your loss. Sally was one heck of a spitfire! She will be missed by many. Praying your memories and shared stories help to ease your sorrow and grief.
Dannette Cremer says
Keith, our deepest sympathy on the loss of Sally. You two were great together. May you keep her memory close to your heart.
Dannette and Craig Cremer
Josephine Meidinger says
My deepest sympathy
Lori Raisler says
Keith, we are so sorry to hear of Sally’s passing. You guys were great neighbors in Kinsey and we will miss her. God bless you and your family.
Lori and John Raisler says
Keith, we are so sorry to hear of Sally’s passing. You guys were great neighbors in Kinsey and we will miss her. God bless you and your family.
Pat Morris Blumhorst says
…we shared the same May 6 day, she was such a sweet lady, the times out at the motor cross were delightful and all of the other times we met, may God lay his healing hand on you Keith, love from Pat who used to live in Kinsey and is now in Florida.
Bernadette Miller says
I first met Sally when I was 16 years old – we worked at the Ben Franklin Store together – she worked in the store and I worked in the cafeteria. We had many many good talks. She was a good friend. I will keep you in my prayers, Keith.
Helen Johnsen Deines says
Family of Sally; my mom Ella Johnsen, I’m sure welcomed Sally to heaven. Mom used to collect teddy bears for her. They enjoyed visiting. Sorry for your loss
Diane M Welbes says
I wish I had words to lighten your sorrow but sometimes words are just not enough. Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss. I remember her fondly from when she worked for my dad, You are in my thoughts and prayers,
David & Danette Olguin says
We are so sorry for your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Marjy Hardy says
So sorry to hear of Sally’s passing. So many fond memories of her and Keith. Wes and I enjoyed helping Keith and Sally with Christian motorcycles. Prayers to her family and friends.
Kyle & Gail Shaw says
What a wonderful lady. Keith you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Louise de Montigny says
My condolences to all of Sally’s family. She was such a sparkle.
Roger Gamble says
Paul and Family. I’m sorry sorry to hear about Sally. I will always remember her lively spirit and amazing smile. She was always willing to help others and lived life to the fullest. Our deepest sympathies!! The Gambles.
Linda Wolff says
So sorry to hear of Sally’s passing. She was a very nice lady.
Antonia Klein says
Sending my deepest condolences to Sally’s family. A light has gone out of this world with Sally’s passing and she is greatly missed by those who knew her. When I was a young girl I thought Sally was the prettiest lady I knew and looked forward to seeing her smile whenever I wandered into the Ferguson home. RIP, Sally, your spirit lives on.
Ernie Bartels Pat Weber says
Was so sorry to hear this news about Sally. She always had that smile and such a upbeat personality, it was hard not to like her. I only knew her as I grew up across the street from their house and lively family. Spent many hours at their home as a 2nd home to myself, my sister and our many friends with Paul, Tony and Don. She will be missed by her family and all her friends. Tell stories; laugh and remember her as she was a special person. Rest in Peace
Mike & Patsy Davis says
Our sincere sympathy and prayers to Keith, Yolanda & Paul and all of Sally’s family. We always enjoyed our visits with Keith & Sally, and doing business with them at B & C.
Curtis and June Fillafer says
Paul and family. I’m so sorry for the loss of Sally Sally was a person who always brought joy and happiness to all who were fortunate to be in her company.
Bradley G LaVerne says
Dear Keith & Family:
So sorry to hear of Ms Sally’s passing. Always a smile and always the spirit of aiding others. You have our sincerest condolences and prayers.
May Her Soul & All The Souls Of The Faithful Departed Through The Mercy Of God Rest In Peace, Amen.
Brad & Frances La Verne