Leslie Wengreen Ferguson

Leslie Wengreen Ferguson, our mother, granny, aunt, sister, wife and friend passed away too soon—on September 18, 2024, at the age of 67. Leslie loved unconditionally, and those of us who were lucky enough to live within her circle knew we had a fierce defender and ready help. She would always say, “Love is a verb.” 

Leslie came into the world on January 15, 1957 in Price, Utah. She was the sixth of twelve children born to A. Dean and Margaret Ann Demos Wengreen. Sadly, her mother passed away when she was just 11. And with her big heart, Leslie took on the job of mothering her two youngest brothers. 

Leslie grew up in Cache Valley and graduated from Sky View High School in 1975. That fall, Leslie attended Dixie College where she met Scott Ferguson, the love of her life. The couple were married on September 18, 1977, and were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Maggie in 1978 and Jenny in 1979.

In 1982, Leslie and Scott moved their family back to Cache Valley where Leslie earned a degree from USU. Somehow, in just two years, Leslie was able to complete the requirements for a BS in Accounting while raising two small daughters.

After receiving her degree, the family built a home in Midvale where they lived close to lots of family. Leslie added her own bit of creativity to all family gatherings and reunions. At Christmas, Leslie’s presents were always the best, and her nieces and nephews had a sneaking suspicion that she went over the set price limit. Leslie was fun. Her Nertz tournaments were the stuff of family legend, and “Mormon Bridge” was the favorite family card game.

Leslie and Scott love their girls more than anything, except maybe their grandchildren. Leslie’s favorite role in life was granny to Gabe, Ashton, Brody and Briella—watching their various sports or activities or just playing games and doing puzzles with them. To her grandchildren’s delight, granny was an ardent Harry Potter fan with a magnificent collection of magic wands.

Leslie was lucky too! She was always winning contests on the radio – cash, trips, concert tickets. She won so many vacations to Disneyland that it became her own Magic Kingdom. Nothing made Leslie happier than taking her grandchildren with her to visit her favorite place.

Even while working fulltime and raising a family, Leslie found time to create a gorgeous home and garden. She liked to craft, read, cook and entertain. Her Thanksgiving and birthday dinners were scrumptious and were only exceeded by her beautiful table settings. Leslie made everyday life a feast.

Leslie had a successful career in accounting for many years, and her employees loved and appreciated her. Later, she started her own company, and for over 25 years, she was loved and respected by all her clients. She never really retired, but lived her final years in St. George, Utah, where she enjoyed the warmth and desert beauty.

Leslie leaves behind her heartbroken family—her husband Scott, daughters Maggie, Jenny (Cory), grandchildren Gabe, Ashton, Brody and Briella; siblings: Stuart (Brenda), Deby (Jay), Cory, Krissy (Kim), Jeff (Kathy), Syd (Kim), Angie, Spencer (Kris), Tona (John) step brothers and sisters Bodell (Mark), Callie (Blair), Kymm (Dave), Becky (Dave), Jed (Jill), Audra (Keith), Jann (Paul), and Leonard, and many nieces and nephews.

Leslie was preceded in death by her mother Margaret, father Dean, stepmother Norma, sister Shelley, and brothers David and Mark.

The family extends a huge thank you to the staff at Coral Desert Rehabilitation and Summit Home Health and Hospice for all their loving care and support as she fought to recover from multiple health issues.

Leslie changed the world for the better, and we were changed for good.

A Celebration of Leslie’s Life will be on Saturday, October 12 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use parking and entrance located on the north side of the building.