Elizabeth "Betty" Ellen (McCartney) Farmer

SALEM - Elizabeth “Betty” Ellen (McCartney) Farmer, 78, was called by the Lord and passed peacefully in her sleep Sunday morning, June 26, 2022 at Blossom Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, reuniting with her husband, brothers, and friends. Betty was born on August 1, 1943, in Salem OH. She was one of six children of the late Ray and Ellen (Nesbitt) McCartney.

She graduated from United High school in 1961, and married the love of her life, Ross Farmer Jr., on July 22, 1966. Ross and Betty shared 32 years of marriage before his passing in 1998. She had a love for Christmas and her large collection of Santa Clauses. One of her favorites was a Santa shaped wood clock she hung in the living room, even though it was broken and never chimed, she continued to hang it year after year. It always seemed to chime in the best moments, and she always said that it was Ross reminding her that he was watching over her.

Growing up, Betty played a key role in the family farm and spent her teenage years working at Ziegler’s Meat Market. She always fondly recalled when she, her father, and her siblings would spend their summer days saddling up all of their horses and taking the neighborhood full of children on a ride over to the drive-in movies where Giant Eagle stands today. Her mother would follow behind later with the, aptly named, Chow Wagon with dinner for all.

Throughout her life, she was full of kindness, compassion, and joy to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Betty and Ross were always opening their home to a friend or person in need, and the dining room table built by Ross served as a constant place for a game of cards and a fresh cup of coffee. She valued living simply, and enjoyed making everything by hand. Betty and Ross spent many hours hand making decor, toys and teddy bears to sell at Shaker Woods and share their creations with family and friends.

She is survived by her three children, Doug (Cheri) R. Farmer of Salem, Karrin S. Campf of Salem, and Julia (Mike) E. Murphy of Salem; daughter by heart, Michelle Walla of Salem; her 12 grandchildren, Lance (Amanda) Murphy, Joe (Robyn) Bell, Adam (Chantel) Bell, Erin (Chase) Adams, Brian (Natalie) Murphy, Sierra Willoughby, Ben (Tori) Farmer, Carly (Bing) Campf, Delaney Willoughby, Paige Campf, Andrew Walla, and Peyton Campf, and 14 great grandchildren.

Besides her parents and her husband, Betty was preceded in death by her brothers, George (Jo), Harry, Donald (Rowena), and Floyd (Luanne) McCartney, and grandson, Anthony Colon.

Private burial will be held at a later date at Woodsdale Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers or donations, Betty wishes that each person take a moment to share time with loved ones/friends to have dinner or play a game together. Be a safe haven to a person in need and always pay kindness forward.

Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

To view Betty’s obituary or send condolences, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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