Marian Hough Walters
After an extraordinary life spanning 96 years, Marian Hough Walters passed away early morning, May 28th, She will be greatly missed, but we are comforted knowing she never suffered from any serious illness or pain.
Marian is survived by her first-born son, Grant (Holly) & her daughter Carrie (Dale). Marian’s husband, Grant and Carrie’s father, Walter F. Walters passed away in 1969. Marian was remarried in 1988 to Rodger O. Ferguson. They lived in Dana
Point and Laguna Nigel until his death in 1989. Marian was born and raised in South Pasadena with her younger siblings, Carol, Allen and Peggy with whom she remained close throughout her lifetime.
Marian (a.k.a. “Huffy” as her college pals nick-named her) attended Pomona College with a B.A. in International Relations and Immaculate Heart College with a Masters in Library Science. She was a School Librarian in Arcadia, CA, then a Medical Librarian at South Coast Medical Center in Laguna Beach, CA. (so fitting was the name Marian for a Librarian!)
As a huge advocate of higher education, Marian made sure her grandchildren attended the best schools. Marian was so proud of her 5 grandchildren, Kate, Megan, & Logan (Grant & Patti) and Nash & Shelby (Carrie & Dale) and 7+ great-
grandchildren.
Marian traveled far and wide, taking her granddaughters to Europe, and the rest of her family to Costa Rica, where she braved white-water river rafting when she was well into her 70s!
Marian was the consummate hostess, with so many family traditions, including her mother and grandmother’s heirloom recipe Christmas Jell-o Salad, which everyone loathed but tolerated, because, well, “tradition.”
Marian treasured her relationships with her Pomona College pals, and her P.E.O. Sisters, enjoying yearly reunions and friendships spanning several decades.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful people at Valle Verde who took such great care of our Mom! Many have told us that she was one of their favorite residents, due to her upbeat and friendly nature. It doesn’t surprise us, as many of her family members remember her as their “favorite aunt” with her very distinctive laugh.
A memorial gathering will take place August 19 at the Carpenteria Polo Field at 1:00 in the afternoon. If anyone would like to make a donation in her name, Marian loved the Santa Barbara Botanic Gardens.
