Luella “Lu” Ann Ferguson Meaux of Oak Harbor, WA passed away at age 93 on January 21, 2023 in residence at Summer Hill Assisted Living under Whidbey Health Hospice care. She was born in New London, CT on Nov. 21, 1929, the daughter of William D. and Edna Thompson Ferguson. Both parents met while serving in the U.S. Navy during WWI.
“Gramma Lu” was affectionately known as the color-coordinated “Energizer Bunny” with a flower in her hair who danced down trails, couldn’t say “no” and carried a Bible. She was also known as “Baby Lu” by her brothers and “Skeeter” at Camp Moran where she assisted North Whidbey Middle School ten times. Luella grew up in Niantic, CT with three older brothers. She rode a bicycle for seven years delivering newspapers, babysat, and loved participating in various sports. She graduated from W.M.I. all-girls high school in New London, CT and in 1949 graduated with a BSS degree from Bryant College in Providence, RI. Although brother Mert brought home many Cadets while attending the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, only one named Berry Lee Meaux from Joliet, IL captured her heart – he was “just the ticket.” They married June 6, 1950 at Connecticut College Harkness Chapel in New London, just one day after Berry’s academy graduation. After 60 years of a wonderful, adventure-filled marriage, Berry passed away in 2010.
Various military moves took them to California (Eureka, Long Beach), Maryland (Curtis Bay, Wheaton, Hillcrest Heights), Georgia (Savannah), Washington (Seattle), Hawaii twice (Kailua), and retirement in 1974 to Oak Harbor, WA. Here, they had a Shaklee business promoting good health and environment. Luella loved swimming, dancing (tap, hula, ballroom, Scottish, western), traveling, camping, hiking, flying, RVing, sewing, knitting, flowers, chocolate (!!), animals and children. With the University of Washington, she climbed Mt. Baker and part way up Mt. Rainier as well as flew and soloed in a Cessna 150. As a volunteer, she was a Red Cross Grey Lady in hospitals, assisted in nursing homes, and with disaster relief. Luella also led scout troops, organized day camps (Brownie, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts), PTA member, decorated for the Whidbey Playhouse, Sr. Center, jazz festivals, weddings, and dances. She owned and raised Boxer dogs, and for the Wildlife Clinic took in injured birds and orphaned fawns.
Luella’s absolute love as a Jehovah’s Witness since 1967, was teaching individuals to use and understand their Bible. Three favorite scriptures were Acts 24:15, Psalms 37:29 and Revelation 21:3-4. May Luella sleep well until the resurrection.
Luella is survived by three loving children – Alan Meaux (Letta) and Janis Leslie (Rick) of Oak Harbor, WA; Wayne Meaux of Sandpoint, ID; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and six step-great grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister-in-law, Phyllis Ferguson (Mert) along with cousins, nieces, and nephews on the east coast. Luella was pre-deceased by her parents, brothers (Scott, David and Merton Ferguson) and husband.
A memorial service was held February 25, 2023 at 2:00 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 301 NE Ronhaar St., Oak Harbor, WA. Any contributions may be given to WAIF (Whidbey Animals’ Improvement Foundation), P.O. Box 1108, Coupeville, WA 98239. Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences at Whidbey Memorial Funeral and Cremation Service at www.whidbeymemorial.com
