UTICA - Dr. K. Della Ferguson, 62, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, October 24, 2010. Her beloved life partner of nineteen years, Cheryl Wilkinson, was at her side. Della fought cancer for the last year with the spirit and determination she lived life – straightforward, totally committed to living and moving ahead. She was born on May 22, 1948 in Omaha, NE, the daughter of Edgar and Alice (Hrbek) Ferguson. Della received her Bachelors and Masters Degrees at University of Nebraska at Omaha and her ph.D. at Kansas State University. She joined Utica College in 1978 as an assistant professor of psychology and taught there for thirty-two years. In 1999 Della became Dean, School of Health Professions and Education at Utica College. She taught for the Gerontology Department until retiring in May, 2010. Della founded Utica College's Womyns Resource Center and co-founded and directed the Institute of Gerontology at Utica College in 1980. She was passionate about education and was a mentor for so many people who were in need of guidance. Her words were few, their meaning, priceless. Survivors include her life partner, Cheryl Wilkinson; her children, Dan Walto and wife, Gina, David Walto and wife, Brenda, and Suzette (Walto) Ciplickas and husband, Tom; her sisters, Jeanette Pederson and husband, Robert, and Sharon Cabuto and husband, Jamie; seven grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents; brother-in-law, Steven Wilkinson; and brother and sister-in-law, Bobbie and Leeann Walto. Friends and relatives are invited to attend Della's Memorial Service on Saturday, November 6, 2010, at 1 p.m., at the Library Concourse at Utica College, with Rev. Paul J. Drobin officiating. Della's family wishes to thank Dr. Cheryl Mattern and Karen Hagearty for their care and support during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made in Della's name to Utica College, c/o President T. Hutton, 1600 Burrstone Road, Utica, NY 13502. Arrangements are entrusted to Applegate-Day & Enea Family Funeral Home, Don Applegate, Funeral Director.