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Frances Farmer

September 9, 2017
Kalamazoo, MI

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Age 95, died peacefully on Saturday, September 9, 2017 with her family and husband of 75 years by her side. She died in her home in Mishawaka, Indiana, where she has resided since January 2016 after living in Kalamazoo, Michigan since 1979. Frances was born in South Bend, Indiana on June 20, 1922, the daughter of Howard Price and Ferne Courter Powell and grew up in South Bend, attending James Monroe School, Central High School, graduating from Riley High School in 1940. She also attended Kalamazoo College. It was at Riley that she met her husband, Leon Charles Farmer, Jr. and they were married on September 19, 1942, just before Chuck left for World War II. After basic training, Frances traveled with Chuck and they moved 13 times in 17 months before he was sent overseas. After the war, she and Chuck settled in South Bend and raised three daughters, who survive. Shirley S. Gaughan (Jeff) of Indianapolis; Laura A. Jojo (Ahmed) of Mishawaka; Patty McCollum of Denver, Colorado; eight grandchildren, Robert L. Kizer, Jr. (Ann-Courtney), Kristen M. Mitchell, Meredith M. Seeds (Jonathan), Kelly F. Gaughan, Heather A. Gordy (Brett), Jennifer L. Stasiak (Joey), Airman First Class Brittany M. Simpson (Jonothon); Kevin M. McCollum and six great-grandchildren, Reese and Heath Kizer, Cora and Olivia Mitchell and Lola and Ruby Seeds. She was predeceased by her parents, a sister, Shirley Mae Powell Crawford; brother, Howard Price Powell, Jr. and son-in-law, Robert L. Kizer, Sr. For many years, Frances was a member of First United Methodist Church and then Grace United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Chancel Choirs. Some of her happiest times were singing in the choir. She also sang in the South Bend Symphonic Choir and was a member of Rose Croix, a 50-year member of the St. Joseph Chapter #569 Order of the Eastern Star and The Order of the Amaranth. She was a skilled bookkeeper and worked many part-time jobs, which allowed her to be home with her children. After a job transfer took Frances and Chuck to Kalamazoo, Michigan, Frances used her sewing and knitting talents to begin a home-based craft business, "Needles in the Haystack" and she and Chuck traveled around in their motorhome to Arts and Crafts shows throughout Michigan and Northern Indiana. She was famous for her handmade baby bibs, quilts and Christmas tree ornaments, but she was more famous for being a wonderful mother and grandmother. She and Chuck were volunteers for many years at the Gilmore Keyboard Festival in Kalamazoo and were featured in the Kalamazoo Gazette in 2010, celebrating their many years of service to that organization. Viewing will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceloa, Indiana on Tuesday, September 12th from 4:00 to 8:00 pm, and Wednesday, September 13th from 1:00 to 2:00 pm, with the funeral to follow at 2:00 pm. To leave an online condolence or sign the guest book, please visit www.chapelhillmemorial.com.