Vera May Farber

Vera May Kierstead Farber age 99, of Greencastle, passed away on Friday, November 23, 2012 at Asbury Towers. Born March 14, 1913 in Putnam County, IN., she was the daughter of George E. and Nellie (Hillis) Knauer. She married Roger Kierstead in 1939 and he preceded her in death. She later married Dr. Robert Farber on June 26, 1998 and he survives. Mrs. Kierstead Farber taught music in Radnor, Pennsylvania, received a bachelors' degree in music education from DePauw University and a master's degree in music education from Villanova University. She also earned certifications from the Famous Artists School and the Institute of Children's Literature. She was given a Freedom Foundation Award for writing, composing, and directing a patriotic children's musical. Vera was the author of "Jamie's Journey "and two sequels "An Early American Adventure" and "Jamie Comes of Age." She had also co-wrote "Youth to Golden Age" with her husband, Dr. Robert Farber. She had been active in the Gobin United Methodist Church, the DePauw Festival Chorus, The Mellowettes Trio, the Council on Aging, R.S.V.P., and AARP. She had served as an art director at a senior center and a pianist at Asbury Retirement Village. Vera enjoyed choral and piano music, oil painting, gardening, writing, and was a 50 year member of PEO. She was an accomplished pianist, soloist, and recently made a cd of her piano playing. Survivors include her husband, Dr. Robert Farber; two nephews, David (Marjorie) Smith and Edwin (Pat) Tower, both of AZ; three nieces, Virginia Tower Wagner of FL, Peggy (Bill Osgood) Davis of CA. and Barbara Gercke of CA; a stepson, Charles (Jayne) Farber of Columbus; a stepdaughter, Jean (Ron) Braun of Winston Salem, NC; and several great nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roger Kierstead; sisters, Louise Knauer, Helen Tower, and Elisabeth Smith; and a brother, George Knauer. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at the Gobin United Methodist Church, Greencastle, with Rev. Dr. P.T. Wilson officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Brick Chapel Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30 am on Saturday, until time of time of service at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Gobin United Methodist Church 307 Simpson Ave. Greencastle, IN. 46135. Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.BittlesandHurt.com.