Julienne LaReyn Ferguson (1943 – 2026)

Julienne LaReyn Ferguson , a woman of remarkable independence, deep faith, and an adventurous soul, passed away peacefully at her home on January 28, 2026, following a brief illness. She was 82 years old.

Early Life and Roots

Julienne was born on August 17, 1943, in Spokane, Washington, to Dorothea and Gilbert Avery. The youngest of five children, she grew up in the Spokane area and graduated from Rogers High School. It was during these early years that she began forming friendships—some of which would last more than 80 years. Julienne was a legendary friend; she kept in close touch with those she had known since kindergarten, ensuring that every old friend felt cherished and every new friend felt like they had been together forever.

Career, Family, and Faith

Julienne raised her two sons, Mitchell and Chad, with immense pride. She built a successful career with the Idaho Tax Commission , but her heart was always with her family. She chose to retire early specifically to enjoy time with her grandchildren. Every summer, she hosted "Grandma’s Week," taking her grandkids on adventures that left them "happy, tired, and full of stories."

In 1995, she and her husband, Larry Ferguson , moved from Boise to Bayview, Idaho, to be closer to her mother. During her many years in the Coeur d’Alene area, she was a devoted member of the local congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses , building a vast network of dear friends through her faith.

A Life Outdoors and at the Table

Julienne was a true force of nature. She ran the Bloomsday Marathon for more than 20 years and was an active member of both a hiking club and an investment club. She was also a master gardener, spending hours every day all summer long tending to her vibrant flowers and growing vegetables.

Even at 82, she maintained a spirited independence. It was not uncommon for her to load up her motorhome, hitch her 4-wheeler, pack up her beloved dachshunds, and head into the mountains solo.

While Julienne never claimed to enjoy cooking, she absolutely loved eating with those she cared about. She cherished her Friday night "girls' nights" with friends and looked forward to Sunday family dinners. She was, however, a wonderful baker; her family and friends will deeply miss her famous banana apricot bread.

Recent Years

Following the passing of her husband Larry in 2019, Julienne moved to Pocatello in 2021 to be near her son, daughter-in-law, and their family. She quickly became a cherished member of the Pocatello congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses, continuing her lifelong service and making deep connections in her new community.

A Note of Gratitude

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to the many friends who reached out to Julienne during her illness; your visits, cards, flowers, and phone calls meant the world to her. Special appreciation is also given to the incredible hospice team from Symbii and the dedicated home health workers who provided such compassionate support to Julienne and her family in her final weeks.

Survivors

Julienne is survived by:

l  Her brother, Gene Avery .

l  Her sons, Mitchell Lee (Carri) Thomason and Chad Michael (Laura) Thomason .

l  Three grandchildren and one great-grandson.

l  Her faithful dachshunds and a lifetime of friends from coast to coast.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Larry Ferguson; one beloved granddaughter; her parents; and three of her siblings.

Memorial Service

A memorial service for Julienne will be held on February 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Pocatello.

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