Velda Marie Ferguson passed away peacefully at her home in Fortuna with family by her side on July 22, 2022. She was 94 years old.

Velda was a wonderful mom, grandma, great-grandma, auntie and friend, and was most affectionately known as “Gram.”

Velda was born on January 4, 1928 to Loren (Dutch) and Florence (Flossie) Wilkinson in Alderpoint . Velda had three sisters — Nettie, Forrestine and Lola — as well as three brothers, Emmit, Loren and Cecil.

Velda attended Lowell High School in San Francisco. It was the only time she wasn’t in Humboldt County. On her return home to Humboldt County she settled in Fortuna, where she met her future husband John Keith Ferguson. They bought a home in town and Velda lived there for 54 years until her passing.

Velda loved camping, fishing, hunting and backpacking with family and friends. Her two favorites, though, were the Wilkinsons’ family reunions, where 70-90 family members would get together and camp out on the Upper Van Duzen over Memorial Day, and Velda and John’s hunting camp on South Fork Mountain with best friends Gary and Dorothy Craig and Frank Richards. She would be anticipating and looking forward to the arrival of her sons and grandkids in camp.

She was an avid bowler, liked playing softball and enjoyed the years she was with the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW in Ferndale.

Most of all, Velda loved to be involved in any youth events. She was active in Little League, Babe Ruth, Pop Warner, Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. She worked for years at two day care homes. She attended as many youth sporting events as possible.

Mom was an Avid San Francisco Giants and 49ers fan. There was rarely a time a game wasn’t on in her house.

Velda and John had three sons — Loren (Michelle), Buck (Sharon) and Mike. She had four grandkids — Morgan, Falon, John and Huck — and 10 great-grandchildren (all girls). She also many nieces and nephews.

Velda is preceded in death by her husband, John, her parents, all six of her brothers and sisters and one great-granddaughter.

The family held a private graveside service on July 30, 2022.