Rita Louise Ferguson

It is with great sadness that the family of Rita Louise Ferguson (nee Pabich) announces her passing after her brave 3-year fight with ovarian cancer, on Sunday, October 14, 2018, at the age of 71. Rita will be lovingly remembered by her dedicated husband, Thomas Scott Ferguson, of 49 years and her precious daughters, Natalie (Russ) Reid and Shannon (Dennis) Smith. Rita will also be forever fondly remembered by her four grandchildren, Chase, Olivia, Madeline and Paige Chandler and by her devoted sisters, Susan (Bob) Cimino, and Marie Kline; by her sister-in-Law, Alicia (Ahmed) Shaikh; brothers-in-law, John (Debbie) Ferguson, Greg Ferguson, and Kevin (Amy) Ferguson. Rita will also be sorely missed by her many nieces, nephews and numerous dear friends.

Family will receive friends at St. Gertrude Church in Madeira on Thursday, Oct. 18th from 8:30-9:30 AM followed by a Mass and a reception with food and fellowship. Please send memorial donations to Hospice of Southwest Ohio, 7625 Camargo Road, Cincinnati, OH 45243 in memory of Rita or by clicking HERE .

Rita was born August 31, 1947 to Robert and Jean Pabich in Chicago, Illinois and was the middle sister--the sweet cream in an Oreo cookie as her sisters like to say. She graduated from Pennoyer Elementary School, Chicago; Main South High School, Park Ridge, Illinois and Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa, receiving a degree in Economics. Rita and Tom married after college, lived in Chicago for many years and eventually moved to Milford, Ohio.

Faced with her diagnosis, Rita maintained a positive attitude, grace, courage, and determination to continue to live her life to the fullest. In typical Rita fashion, she researched and studied all she could find about ovarian cancer. Her oncologist would quip that Rita had a PhD in ovarian cancer. The family would like to give a special "Thank you!" to Dr. Thomas Herzog and his entire staff at UC Health Barrett Cancer Center in Cincinnati, who were instrumental in helping Rita enjoy a high quality of life during her battle with cancer.

In 2014, Rita retired after a 45-year professional career starting with Durkee Foods, BASF and PPG. She was certified in Lean Six Sigma and certified as a Project Management Professional and was an active member of PMI. One of Rita's pleasures in life both professionally and personally was to share her knowledge with others. After retirement she become a certified Life Coach using Project Management techniques. She taught Project Management classes to students of local Cincinnati area high school and wrote the curriculum, so others could continue to teach Project Management to the students. Rita was an active participant in her beloved Toastmasters Club of Milford for over 14 years, mentoring many aspiring speakers. Rita was a co-owner of W.R. Pabich Mfg. Co. Inc. in Chicago, Illinois and served on their Board for 10 years.

She was a lover of animals-feeding and rescuing many strays. She referred to Natalie's many goats on her goat farm as her "grand kids." She adored and was adored by her loyal German Shepherd, Luke, who was with her to the end.
Rita had a strong faith and would say that the Lord was holding her hand. Rita's gentle nature, intelligence and loving manner left an impression on everyone who knew her. To know Rita was to love her.