St. Clair County Obits

MARILYN KAY (STEPHENS) FARMER

St. Clair County Courier
June 8, 2001
Page 22
Marilyn Kay (Stephens) Farmer was born on Feb 14, 1943, the daughter of Johnnie and Thelma (Dull) Stephens.

Her talents and love of music were apparent early in her life. She graduated from high school in Osceola in 1961. She excelled earning number one rating in district and state music contests, both vocal and instrumental. She attended the University of Missouri her freshman year. Her talents won her a spot on the Marching Mizzou band. The summer of 1963, she and her husband, Bill, were married after dating a couple of months. Although both were pre-enrolled at M.U., they transferred to Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield. Upon graduation in 1965 when her husband entered the United States Army, she taught music at Hardin. In 1967, she joined her husband at Fort Knox, Ky. They soon were transferred to Fort Walters in Mineral Wells, Texas. Upon completion of Primary Helicopter Training, they moved to Fort Rucker, Ala. When Bill completed his helicopter training, they transferred to Fort Benning, Ga. Their first child, William Christopher Farmer, was born Nov 1, 1968, at Fort Benning, Ga.

In April of 1969, Marilyn and newborn son, W. C. moved back to Osceola while Bill was on orders for Vietnam. In the fall of 1969, Marilyn began teaching French at Osceola. In September of 1969, upon learning that Bill had been shot down in Vietnam, she hastened to join him at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center in Denver, Colo. Her tender love and care were important factors in his recovery. Second son, Michael Phillip Farmer, was born at Fitzsimmons Army Medical Center on Feb. 27, 1971.

In May of 1972, they moved to Springfield. Marilyn and Bill both enrolled in the Guidance and Counseling Graduated Program. Marilyn graduated in 1977 with a Master’s Degree in elementary counseling with and emphasis in play therapy. Marilyn excelled at play therapy, studying at both North Texas University and University of Missouri at Kansas City. She lacked one course of completing her Specialist Degree in Play Therapy. She received the Missouri Play Therapist of the Year Award in 2000 and currently held the office of president for the Missouri Association of Play Therapy.

She and Bill purchased the St. Clair Courier and Appleton City Journal in 1978. They co-published these publications until they were sold in 1982. During this time Marilyn was counselor and music teacher at Lakeland Public School, Lowery City. The Farmers purchased the Atchison County Mail in 1987 and have continued co-publishing the newspaper with their two sons.

Marilyn continued her studies and teaching for music and counseling at West Nodaway Elementary School for 16 years. As well as working with elementary students, she also taught graduate school classes for Northwest Missouri State University. This last year she accepted a job with the Nebraska City Public Schools as a counselor, where she truly enjoyed the professionalism and support she received.

Marilyn was a devoted mother, grandmother, and wife. She was a dedicated and proud Grammy to her two grandchildren, Chandler, age five, and Kaleigh, age three.

She was both artistic and a perfectionist, engaging in several different forms of artistic pursuits, as well as knitting, sewing, home design, painting, quilting, ceramics, porcelains, and canning. She as a true homemaker who loved and excelled at all aspect of family life.

In addition to her personal hobbies, she was involved in several activates and organizations, including: Missouri Press Association, National Newspaper Association, Northwest Missouri Newspaper Association, choir, P.E.O., Music Sorority, C.T.A., MSTA, MSCA, MART, The American Legion Auxiliary, PI LAMBDA THETA scholastic sorority and a member of the First Lutheran Church of Rock Port.

She is survived by her husband, William W. Farmer, of the home; her father Johnny Stephens of Dexter; son, W.C. and wife Shauna (Ottmann) Farmer, son Michaels P. Farmer; two grandchildren, William Chandler and Kaleigh Diane Farmer, all of Rock Port; one brother, John Stephens, Jr., and sister-in-law Shirley, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Thelma (Dull) Stephens.

Memorial services for her were held Sunday, June 3, 2001, 1 p.m. in the First Lutheran Church, Rock Port, conducted by Pastor David Ebersole.

A private final disposition will be held at a later date with family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Marilyn Farmer Scholarship Fund.

Submitted by Marie Reynolds