Juanita Farthing

Marion Juanita Farthing, 83, passed away on Friday, November 10, 2006 at 12:25 P.M. at Paradise Manor in Marion. Juanita was born June 22, 1923 in Crab Orchard to Clarence and Iva (Lollar) Travelstead. She married Stanton Farthing on April 12, 1941 in Cape Girardeau, Missouri and together they shared over 64 years of marriage until his death on November 18, 2005. Juanita was active in The Church of God in Marion beginning with the Block Chapel on Fair Street in Marion in the mid 40s. She was active in the womens groups of the church and taught many Sunday School classes for more than 50 years. Most likely Juanita will be remembered most for her singing. For more than 60 years she was known so well thru Southern Illinois for singing at funerals. Juanita loved to sing the old songs and loved to sing using the acoustic guitar for accompaniment. Even after being stricken with Parkinsons she would sing from a wheelchair at church. Juanita spent the last two years of her life in an assisted living facility in Marion where she would sing for the other residents. Juanita would have church on Thursday nights and always had with her a stack of songs to sing. Many times when asked How do you feel her reply would be, God isnt done with me yet, these people still want to hear me sing. Survivors include: Two sons; Bob & Linda Farthing of Broken Arrow, OK Clyde & Paula Farthing of Marion Eight Grandchildren; Robert & Kris Rice of Marion Rhonda & Angelo Peritori of Sandwich, IL Rodney & Trevor Rice of St. Louis, MO Steven & Rhonda Farthing of Broken Arrow, OK Travis & Melissa Farthing of Bixby, OK Loretta & Rob Broomfield of Marion Cyla & Laren Evetts of Stonefort Byron & Terra Farthing of Marion Seventeen Great Grandchildren Brother Bill Travelstead of Coos Bay, OR Juanita was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Brother Bob Travelstead from Carrier Mills, Sister Donna Nolan from Portland, OR and her only daughter Elena Disney from Marion. Funeral services will be Monday, November 13, 2006 at 2:00 P.M. at the First Church of God in Marion with Rev. Mike Ebert and Rev. Paul Ramsey officiating. Burial will follow in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery at Poordo. Visitation will be Monday from Noon until the time of service at the church. Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home will be handing the arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available at the church or by mail to Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 North Market Street, Marion, IL 62959.