Beth Ann Ferguson

Beth Ann Ferguson of Newnan, Georgia, formerly of Indianapolis, IN passed away on June 28, 2026 at the age of 85. Born September 25, 1940, in Blakely, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Sara Brong Carpenter and Homer Carl Brong, and later stepdaughter to S. Wharton Carpenter. On January 23, 1960, she married Robert Mitchell Ferguson. They were married for 31 years until his passing.

Beth Ann worked for many years in the trust department at National Bank of Greenwood and later PNC Bank. She was known for her strong, direct personality and rarely left anyone wondering where she stood. She spoke her mind openly, offering both praise and criticism in equal measures. At times, her straightforward nature could be challenging, but those who knew her also recognized that it came from a deep conviction to be truthful rather than simply agreeable. She believed that honesty was kinder than pretense, even when her words were difficult to hear.

She narrated life’s events with the thoroughness of a bygone era, including every excruciating detail and every character along the way. Conversations often traversed unexpected tangents before most times finding their way back to the original story.

In her later years, Beth Ann found some of her greatest happiness in the simple routines of home. She loved feeding the deer that came through the backyard — dozens of them over the years — and got to know many by their markings. She tracked the families that returned season after season and had a way of talking about them that made them seem less like wildlife and more like familiar neighbors. Nearly every evening, she could be found cruising the neighborhood in the golf cart quietly watching for more deer, squirrels, and whatever else nature had to offer. Those peaceful rides reflected a gentler side of Beth Ann—one that found contentment in God’s creation and joy in the familiar rhythms of everyday life.

Beth Ann was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who enjoyed baking. Her apple pies and pumpkin rolls were requested for countless family and church gatherings, and her flaky piecrust became the subject of an enduring, if not frustrating, family mystery. Though she insisted the recipe was complete, her daughters remain convinced she was holding back one final secret ingredient.

She loved the Lord and looked forward with confidence to being with Him. She will be remembered for her strength of character, unwavering honesty, unique storytelling, and the love she expressed for her family in her own distinctive way.

She is preceded in death by her husband Robert Mitchell Ferguson, her parents Sara and Homer Brong, stepfather S. Wharton Carpenter, and her sister Charlotte Jones. She is survived by her brother Ervin Carl Brong (wife Beverly) of Myrtle Beach, and her three daughters: Barbara Eckart (Lee), Bryn Eckart (James) and Brooke Lawson (Christopher). She also leaves behind five grandchildren—Caleb Eckart, Rachel Mundinger, Audrey Ball, Katherine Lawson and Gabriel Lawson and four great-grandchildren.

A private graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery. There will be no public viewing.

Arrangements are under the care of Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center 300 South U.S. 31 South (Morton Street) in Franklin, IN. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Southland Community Church, 5800 West Smith Valley Road, Greenwood, IN, or Royal Animal Refuge, 414 Jenkins Road, Tyrone, GA 30290.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information 317-738-0202.

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