Molly Watts Ferguson

Molly Ann (Watts) Ferguson passed away peacefully on March 23, 2024, at the age of 91 in Bartlesville, OK. She was born to Jack Northington Watts, Sr. and Norma Estelle (Franklin) Watts on April 12, 1932 and was quickly given the affectionate nickname of ‘Tinkerbell.’ She grew up in Shreveport, Louisiana, with three brothers joining the family to her great delight.

Molly first met the man she would later marry, Robert (Bob) Grafton Ferguson, Sr., as an infant when the parents of both attended a mutual gathering and put them in a playpen together. In high school they had the good fortune to meet again when Bob’s aunt saw Molly visiting a neighbor and invited her over for a Coke.

Molly and Bob wed in 1952 and began their married life in Arlington, Virginia, where Bob was stationed in the U.S. Army. Molly enjoyed working as a secretary at the Pentagon until the arrival of their daughter, Lisa. The start of Bob’s career with Phillips Petroleum took them to Pasadena, Texas, where their family grew by four boys. Their final move brought them to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where they completed their family with another daughter and found the wonderful community they called home. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church centered largely in family life, with Molly volunteering with the Altar Guild. She worked as a secretary at the Washington County District Attorney’s Office. Her retirement in 1994  opened the door to many wonderful and adventurous trips with family and friends.  

Molly was known for her gracious and loving nature. She had a gift for conversation and a love of language that was enhanced by a quick and subtle wit. To have a conversation with Molly was to feel listened to and appreciated. She had a special love for nature that she bestowed on her children and she enjoyed reading, watching public television, and visiting with others. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Molly is survived by her loving children: Lisa Cathleen Traylor (Frank), Robert Grafton Ferguson, Jr. (Kathleen), Mark Taylor Ferguson, Jack Watts Ferguson, Brian Adams Ferguson, and Amanda Ferguson Thrasher (Max). She is also survived by two brothers, Jack Northington Watts, Jr. (Merry) and William Stanhope Watts, nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Molly was preceded in death by her husband, her brother Thomas Watts, her grandson Daniel August Ferguson, and her nephew, Jason Watts.

Services for Molly will take place at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 2pm, Saturday, March 30th. Interment and services have been entrusted to Arnold Moore & Neekamp Funeral Home and Cremation Services.  Viewing and visitation will be Friday, March 29^th at the funeral home from 9am-8pm, with family on hand to receive guests from 5-7pm.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in memory of Molly Ferguson. To leave an online condolence, visit www.honoringmemories.com.