Rita Farmer

Rita Faye Farmer (née Thieke), 81, passed away on Saturday, November 15th at 8:08 pm at Deaconess Medical Center in Marion, IL.

Originally from Karnak, IL, she spent most of her life in Bloomington, IL, settling there in 1964 with her husband Bob and their young son Scott. They joined Vale Street Baptist Church where they made many lifelong friends, including their future in-laws. Rita served the congregation faithfully for several decades as a beloved children’s Sunday School teacher and as a member of the hospitality committee.

Over many summers and winters, Rita and Bob enjoyed countless camping trips, ski trips, and other great adventures with their family and chosen family. They sailed the Caribbean Sea many times with Rita’s brother and sister-in-law, Kent and Kathy Tapley. As members of the “Vale Street Camping Society,” they followed the intrepid Art and Mildred Sechrest through Bridger National Forest, Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Tetons, Maroon Bells and all over Summit County, CO.

After retiring from GTE in 1996, Rita and Bob spent many years supporting the Illinois State Redbirds. Rita could often be found at the North Gate of Redbird Arena, taking tickets, greeting old friends and making lots of new ones.

Of the many hats she wore during her life, no doubt her favorite role was that of Granny. She doted on each of her grandchildren and anyone who was important to them, “adopting” many additional “grands” over the years. Rita’s greatest gift to this world was her abundant love for others. Throughout her life, she was known for her kindness, generosity of spirit, and deep compassion for all in need of a Friend, or a Mom, or a Granny. She had a rare and special gift for loving others well.

Last summer, she and Bob relocated to join Scott and their daughter-in-law Melissa at a place she called their own piece of heaven on earth, “The Farm”, just outside of Marion, IL. Here, she spent her last year surrounded by the beauty of nature and wildlife, delighting in the wild adventures of her three great-grandsons.

She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Bob; son Scott (Melissa) Farmer; grandchildren Kendal, Jordan (Dane) Shannon, Mackenzie, and Drew; great-grandchildren Knox, Luca, and Beau Shannon; brother Kent (Kathy) Tapley; several nieces and nephews; and many other deeply loved and cherished family members and friends.

While those of us left behind are mourning the great loss of our beloved Wife, Mom, Granny, Sister, Aunt, and dear Friend, we take comfort in the knowledge that she was joyously reunited with her Mom - Mary Alice Tapley, Dad - Harold Dean Tapley, the Thelma to her Louise - Jan Loving, and many more dear friends and family who had remained ever-present in her thoughts and heart.

A celebration of Rita’s life will be held at a later date; details will be communicated through Facebook. Condolences may be sent to 15650 Cochran Rd., Marion, IL 62959.