Robert Ferguson, 99 of New Sharon passed away Saturday afternoon, August 3, 2024 at the Mahaska Health Partnership Hospice Serenity House in Oskaloosa.

Robert Shoemake Ferguson was born the third of six sons on a farm at Union Mills on September 18, 1924 to Cope and Gladys (Shoemake) Ferguson. Robert attended Fairview and Victor Country Schools. He spent his entire life doing what he loves most, farming, and especially loved harvest season. On July 14, 1984, Robert was united in marriage to Sharon Wilkins Schultz at the Union Mills Christian Church. Together they spent many years traveling to other states participating in State and National Corn Husking contests. Robert was a State and National champion for numerous years. Many fond friendships have developed over the years with fellow huskers as they met each fall. Robert loved mushroom hunting, deer hunting with his brothers and nephews, and almost all sports. He was a huge Hawkeye fan. Robert played fast-pitch softball and was on bowling leagues for many years. He was a 4-H leader, little league coach, was on Taintor CO-OP board, on Union Mills Christian Church board, and served as a Deacon for most of his life. His later years have been spent attending his grandchildren's sporting events. They were his greatest joy.

Robert leaves behind his wife, companion and friend, Sharon; two children, Rhonda Montgomery of New Sharon and Curtis (Robin) Ferguson of Union Mills; Sharon's two children, Melody (Rob) Gray of Newton and Guy Schultz of Barnes City; three grandchildren, Ashley VanDonselaar of Grinnell, Cole Ferguson and Tyson Ferguson both of Union Mills; seven step grandchildren, Ryan (Kirk Dirks) Gruber of Coralville, Stacey Kinsella of Monroe, Sunnie Amelon of Amana, Megan (Blake) Netten of Oskaloosa, Shane (Jenny) Schultz of Reinbeck, Derek (Jillian) Schultz of Sumner and Alexander (Tiffany) Archer of Ames; nine great grandchildren; two brothers, Bill Ferguson of New Sharon and John Ferguson of Union Mills; two sisters-in-law, Phyllis Ferguson of Oskaloosa and Nancy Ferguson of New Sharon along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers, Earl, Gerald and Jim; and sisters-in-law, Fran, Shirley and Coleen.

Funeral Services will begin at 10:30 am Thursday, August 8, 2024 at the Union Mills Christian Church at Union Mills. Burial will be held in the Union Mills Cemetery at Union Mills. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in New Sharon with the family present from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Union Mills Christian Church or the MHP Hospice Serenity House. Holland-Coble Funeral Home of New Sharon is in charge of arrangements.