Died at home in Redlands, California on Thursday, February 26, 2009 of Natural Causes. June was born June 6, 1921 in Huron, South Dakota to Alma and Charles Ferguson. She graduated in 1939 from Westport High School in Kansas City, Missouri and later moved to Hollywood, California. There she worked as a waitress until she met her future husband, Henry A. Ingalls (Hank), at the Hollywood Palladium.
Hank and June married on March 22, 1942 in Las Vegas, NV. Hank enlisted in the Air Force, served in World War II, and returned home in 1945. The couple had two children, Joy, born 6/19/48, and Leonard, born 3/3/57. They resided in many cities, as the typical military family, before settling in Torrance in 1965.
In 1969, June and a partner, co-founded Southwood Preschool in Torrance. It was there that June spent more than 25 years as owner/director positively influencing the lives of thousands of preschool age children. June loved being around children, and was committed to preparing them for a lifetime of success in education. Her years of dedication to the families of the South Bay have been felt for generations. Although June officially retired in 1997, she remained a frequent presence at the preschool until 2006, when she relocated to Redlands, California where she could be closer to her son and family. She resided in her home enjoying family and good health until a few days before her death.
June was an active member of the South Bay community, as well as a devoted member to Evangelical Free Church of Redondo Beach. She enjoyed many years of friendships and fellowship.
June was preceded in death by her husband, Hank, in 1977. She is survived by her daughter, Joy Ingalls of Hood River, Oregon; son, Leonard Ingalls and wife, Carol, of Redlands, CA; grandchildren, Nathan of Mentone, CA, Michael, Kristin, Brian and Emily of Redlands, CA; and many beloved friends. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Green Hills Cemetery in a private interment.
A memorial celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, March 7th, 2009 at 2 pm at Evangelical Free Church of Redondo Beach 101 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach. Reception in church hall immediately following. Donations in her name can be made to the Loma Linda Children's Hospital Foundation (909) 558-3216, or St. Judes Children's Research Hospital at (800) 805-5856.
Please sign the guest book at www.dailybreeze.com/obits.
Mar 4, 2009: The Dailey Breeze (Torrance, CA)