A Kentucky native, a farm girl, a selfless matriarch, and an inspiring woman who passed on her love of family, camping, sewing, crafting and fishing. At the age of 87, that woman — Marcella Farmer — left this world for eternal life on June 11, 2015. She will be missed but forever remembered because her mark upon the world was one forged out of love, honesty and graciousness.
Born in Hueysville, KY., on May 17, 1928, to William and Ella Prater, Marcella had four brothers — Charlie, Hershel, Ron, and Jerry, the latter two who preceded her in death. She lived in Prater Holler until the family moved to McArthur, OH
She met and fell in love with Ralph Farmer. They were married and had four children — Jean, Sally, Larry and Pat. They lived in McArthur, and then moved to Columbus, OH. In 1969, they moved to St. Charles, Mo., and then returned to Ohio in 1974, where they bought a farm in Junction City. The farm was the center of the family for many years. Memories of the farm come back whenever one of us opens a tin of homemade cookies or slices a portion of chocolate pie.
Marcella and Ralph sold the farm in 1987 and traveled the country in their RV before moving to Lady Lake, FL. There they bought a house and made it a home.
Marcella was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother. She worked as a beautician, a farmer, a tax preparer, a receptionist for Weight Watchers, and her greatest accomplishment, homemaker. Her main love was her family. She shared with her family her love of the outdoors, especially the love of fishing,
In the 1970s, when Marcella's oldest daughter Jean was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Marcella made Jean her No. 1 priority, bringing happiness and love into her life. She nursed her daughter for seven years until her death in 1979. Marcella's selfless nature directed her to happily help anyone in need.
Marcella was known as Ma Ma to her seven grandkids (ages 49 to 28), nine great-grandchildren (ages 28 to 7), and four great-great grandchildren (ages 6 years to 8 months). She loved to cook for them, play with them, and laugh with them all.
Marcella lived to laugh and enjoyed life. An active retiree, she and Ralph learned to square dance in their 60s. They loved square dancing so much that their 50th anniversary party was dinner and a square dance for their family and friends.
After Marcella's husband, Ralph, died, she was lucky to find two companions, Sparky and Vern, to fill her remaining years with fun and laughter.
Sparky passed, another very special man — Vern — came into her life and they have been together ever since. They loved to laugh together, smile together and just be together. Vern made Marcee, as she was called by him, very happy. He treated her like a queen, and that made Vern a big part of our family. He stuck with her during the good times and over the last year and half he has been right beside her.
In the last few years, Marcella displayed courage in the face of suffering. But she never complained, even when things were tough. Perhaps that is why a smile spreads on people's faces as they remember Marcella. They are reflecting the smile that she always displayed. She cherished her wonderful life, and reflecting on that always put a smile on her face.
Donations can be made to the Lady Lake United Methodist Church in honor of Marcella.