Judith Ferguson-Parks

Judith Ferguson-Parks of Anna, died on Oct. 1, 2016, at the age of 74.

She was born on March 21, 1942, the daughter of Ruth Whicker and Earl Whicker, in Moline.

She graduated from Davenport High School in Davenport, Iowa, in 1960. She went on to receive her bachelor’s degree at Stephen’s College in Columbia, Mo.

In 1965, she married Charles McCormick Ferguson. In 1969, they moved to Harrisburg, and lived there until their divorce in 1987.

In 1989, she received her master’s degree in educational psychology from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, and worked in the field of psychology as a counselor for many years.

In 1992, she married Richard Parks. In 1999, Judith and Richard started Winghill Vineyard and Winery in Cobden. Judith was instrumental in the formation of the Shawnee Hills Illinois Wine Trail, was an active member of the Union County Women in Business and the Illinois Grape Growers & Vintners Association.

She was a world-class cook, avid gardener and lover of nature.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Parks; two daughters, Melissa (Ferguson) Van Steen and Martha Ferguson; and eight grandchildren, Phoenix Vansteen, Sophie Vansteen, Nicholas Lesmansky, Christopher Lesmansky, Jillian Lesmansky, Savannah Parks, Haley Parks and Kailon Parks.

She was preceded in death by her parents and by an infant son.

According to her wishes, her body has been cremated and will be scattered at the vineyard that she and her husband Richard Parks started near Cobden, now called StarView Vineyards. Her ashes will be scattered there on Saturday, Oct. 14, at 3 p.m. A reception will follow. StarView Vineyards is located at 5100 Wing Hill Rd., near Cobden.