Jeanne B. Fergus

Jeanne B. Fergus passed away August 24, 2024, after a short illness. She was born January 3, 1934, in Two Rivers, Wis. to William C. and Ina (Holsen) Beduhn. She attended Stephens College before completing her studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics. Her internship was at the N.Y. Hospital in Cornell where she worked until moving to Houston, Texas to join the dietetics department at St. Luke’s Hospital. Later she did consulting work at many nursing homes. She loved her work! Residents said she was a ray of sunshine.

She and Robert Hainge were married on August 8, 1964. in Houston. She and Bob traveled extensively, many trips on one of their boats.

She was active in a variety of philanthropic organizations, holding the office of 2nd Vice President in the Woman’s Club of Houston. She volunteered with the Mended Hearts Club, assisting family members who needed heart surgery at St. Lukes. She was an avid fisherman, both fresh and saltwater. She held the world record in 1980 for catching a “Little Tunny” off the coast of Mexico. She was active in the Galveston Bay Power Squadron, attaining Navigator status.

She moved to Livingston, Texas in 2004. She was active in different bridge groups, loved her Seekers Sunday school class at the First Methodist Church, participated in water aerobics, took piano lessons after age 90, and was part of the Polk County Garden Club. Jeanne always brightened a room, never met a stranger and will be missed terribly by her family and friends.

She is survived by her nephews, Thomas Leiser (Birgit), James Leiser (Kathy) and Perry “Chip” Power (Patty); niece, Sandra Schlaudecker (Jim); step-grandchildren Kim Hainge Young, Kelly Hainge Moore (Mike), Lesli Hainge Barr (Rob), Chris Hainge (Yuki), Pierson Jacquelin (Annie), Jeanne B. Fergus Passed away Aug. 24

and Peter ‘P.J.’ Jacquelin (Kristin); along with numerous step great-grandchildren and grand nieces and nephews, and one step-great-great-grandson.

She loved her extended family which includes Glen and Di Gruel, Lyn Hainge, and her extra special friends in Livingston, John and Mabelle Smith. She was preceded in death by her first husband of 33 years, Robert Hainge and her second husband of 4 years, Preston Fergus. Also, her sister Marge Leiser (Alfred), her sister Marie Power (Perry), her nephew Greg Leiser, and stepson Allen Hainge.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Jeanne’s favorite charities, the SPCA of Polk County, MannaFest of Livingston, First Methodist Church, or a charity of your choice.