Jessie Spellman Farney

Jessie Spellman Farney, 88, a long time resident of Arizona and the Valley died October 20, 2006. She was born on April 30, 1918 in Peekskill, NY to Jessie and James Spellman. Mrs. Farney attended C.C.N.Y, and graduated from New Paltz State Teacher's College in 1937 and from ASU in 1956. She taught for over 25 years at Griffith Elementary School in Phoenix, first as a fifth grade teacher, and after receiving her degree from ASU, as Librarian and Learning Center Director. She retired in 1988 and became very active in the St. Luke's Hospital Auxiliary, and she spent many years happily traveling the world, always continuing to learn. She was pre-deceased by her husband Paul in 1979 and by one granddaughter, Shelle. She is survived by her children Donna (Fred) Morton of Mesa, Paula (Jim) Berg of Littleton, CO, Tim Farney of Avondale and Jim (Teri) Farney of Tucson. She is also survived by eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren as well as a sister, Lucille Wilson of Florida. Her family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the caretakers at Cypress Court at Mesa and Hospice Family Care for their loving attention to Jessie. Services have been held, with burial at St. Francis Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to either the Arizona Humane Society or the NAU basketball scholarship program. Services entrusted to Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.