Ann Ferguson Wimberley, 74

Ann Ferguson Wimberley, 74, passed away peacefully at home Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022, near Hope, Idaho.

Ann was born July 3, 1948, in Birmingham, Ala., to Charles and Louise Ferguson. She graduated high school early and attended Judson College. She received her MD from Tulane University and completed her internal medicine training at the University of Alabama Birmingham and the University of South Alabama College of Medicine.

Ann married Neil Wimberley on June 22, 1974, at Oak Mountain State Park in Alabama. They had three children together and family was the center of Ann’s world. She practiced internal medicine at Providence Hospital in Mobile, Ala. Ann was an avid gardener throughout her life and enjoyed cooking gourmet meals for family and friends. She also loved the outdoors and took part in leading community programs such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts troops.

In 2003, Ann retired and moved to North Idaho. After her retirement, Ann was instrumental in the founding of NAMI Far North in Sandpoint, organized CIT training for local police and helped start a mental health crisis line for Bonner County. She was also a volunteer for the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness. As a master gardener and naturalist, Ann spent much of her time exploring the local wilderness and growing vegetables and flowers. Her love of food and friendship led to hosting Mardi Gras parties every year in North Idaho, where she was able to share Southern favorites like gumbo and crawfish étouffée. There was a float, authentic costumes and throws and live music played with friends. Ann’s countless endeavors were an inspiration to many and her grace and strength were humbling to those lucky enough to know her.

She is survived by her husband, Neil Wimberley of Hope, Idaho; three children, Susanne Wimberley, Matt (Grace) Wimberley and Mike Wimberley (Claire LeVeque); five grandchildren, Cate Moderow Langley, Ann Thomas Wimberley, Margaret Grace Wimberley, Otus James LeVeque and Isla Louise Wimberley; two brothers, Charles Ferguson of Trout Creek, Mont., and Tommy (Dixie) Ferguson of Navarre, Fla.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness or the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Family is planning an online gathering to celebrate her life.

Lakeview Funeral Home in Sandpoint is handling arrangements. Please visit Ann’s online memorial at www.lakeviewfuneral.com and sign her guest book.