Ralph Ferguson

Ralph Eldon Ferguson was born at home in Prairie County on May 15, 1941. He was the 5th of 6 sons born to Sherman and Ola Patterson Ferguson. He passed away at his home in White County on August 5, 2026.

Ralph graduated from Des Arc High School in 1959; serving in the U.S. Army, stationed in Germany. After spending a year recovering from a broken neck, he became a member of IBEW Local Union 295. He completed the program in 1972, as Apprentice of the Year. He worked as an electrician, working all over the country. It was in Anchorage, Alaska, where he met his wife, Susan (Mahlum). They were married in Hawaii in 1987. Ralph and Susan left Alaska in 1988, working in Indiana. Upon the birth of their son Jason, they moved to Arkansas in 1983. They bought property in White County in 1993, where Ralph got in the cattle business, while still working as an electrician. A hard worker his entire life, Ralph was happiest being outside putting up hay, working cattle, hunting and fishing in his “spare time”.

Ralph suffered from dementia the last several years of his life. He was able to remain at home, under the care of Susan and Jason, as well as his special caregiver Gale Degunther. We were blessed to know and love him. A very proud, independent man, who loved and cherished his family.

Ralph is survived by his wife Susan, son Jason, of El Paso, AR and brother Raymond of Hazen, AR. Also by his in-laws Lvonne Ferguson of WV, Dean (Marlene) Mahlum, Marcy (Dan) McLean of MT; Joann (Mark) Bieber of SD; Duane (Terry) Mahlum of AZ; as well as his good friends and neighbors Rick and Susan Quattlebaum, who were always there for him.

He was predeceased by his parents, and his brothers Houston, James, Billy Joe and Donald.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, August 13, 2026, followed by funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. Dewitt Henry Dr., Beebe. Burial will be in Johnson Chapel Cemetery. Online guest book at www.smithfamilycares.com