Myrtle R. Ferguson

Myrtle Frances Rice Ferguson, 80, of Narrows died Monday, Jan. 26, 2009, at home. Funeral service will be held Thursday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Riffe's Funeral Service. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery at Narrows. A lifelong resident of Giles County, she was born Nov. 29, 1928, daughter of the late Luther Clayborne and Georgia Lillian Epling Rice. She was a member of First Baptist Church in Narrows and was a former employee of Celanese Acetate in Narrows. A very devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend, she cared for everyone she knew and loved. She also was a faithful Green Wave supporter when her son played sports for Narrows High School and took pride in her granddaughter's achievements. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jabe Showalter Ferguson Jr.; a son, Jabe "Butch" Showalter Ferguson III; five brothers; and two sisters. Survivors include a granddaughter, Kellie Nicole Ferguson of Wytheville; a stepdaughter, Kay Leigh Ferguson of Charlottesville; two stepgrandchildren, Adam Bechtel of Florida and Lily Ann Bechtel of New York; a brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Becky Rice of Narrows; a sister, Nina R. Weiss of Princeton, W.Va.; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will receive friends Thursday, Jan. 29, at from noon to 2 p.m. (service time) at Riffe's Funeral Chapel. Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Narrows or the Giles County Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.riffes.com. Riffe's Funeral Service Inc. in Narrows is in charge of arrangements.