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Mary Farwell Obituary
Mary was born in Kansas City, MO on October 16, 1931, the daughter of William B. Sommerville and Kathryn Marie (Altergott) Sommerville.
In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her first husband, Frank, her son Guy, and her second husband, Russ.
Mary Lyn studied music at the University of Kansas and married Frank G. Kress in 1951. They had three children and lived in Springfield, MO, Memphis, TN, and New Orleans, LA before returning to Lawrence in 1974. Frank passed after a long illness in 1976. She then married Russell Farwell in 1982 and they then retired and began to travel, do mission work and generally spread joy and wisdom around the globe. Mary had a joyous time teaching knitting for many years at the Yarn Barn in Lawrence, and participated in the annual Bizarre Bazaar selling all manner of handmade items, and will be remembered for many, many beautiful things that she made over the years.
Mary is survived by her daughters Deborah Williams, Elizabeth Reeder, Nancy Ramsey and Susan Asberry, 26 Grandchildren, 43 Great-Grandchildren and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren!
Memorial contributions can be made in Mary Lyn's name to The Lawrence Bible Chapel or to Douglas County Visiting Nurses and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.
For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Farwell
4 Entries
Peggy Morris
April 19, 2023
So thankful my daughter Kristy had Mary during her college days at K.U. Sweet! lady!!
Kristy Schiete
April 18, 2023
Mary Lyn was a `mom away from home´ as I attended KU. She warmly cared for so many of us. I have vivid memories of `after Sunday´ meals, Friday night studies at her home and the sweet times that she and Leta would have with some of us on Monday evenings. She was a wonderful influence on me to live a godly life, to be hospitable and just to smile and be thankful. When Al and I were newly engaged, we drove to Lawrence so I could introduce her to him;)! I´m so thankful the Lord allowed my path to cross hers. What a treasure her life was to so many!! Praying for all the dear family...Debbie, Liz, Nancy, Susan...and the grands and great grands!! Kristy (Morris) Schiete
Jane Clark
April 17, 2023
Mary Lyn was a precious friend to all who knew her. We shared many happy times at Turkey Hill with her and Russ. She will be missed
Our love, Bob & Jane Clark
Lydia (Sommerville) Thomas
April 17, 2023
I called her Mary Lynn, because for a time there were two Mary Sommervilles, to distinguish between her and my Grandmother (Grammie) and Mary Lynn just stuck for me even though she went back to Mary eventually.
I loved going to Friday night bible study back in 1980-85ish, in the house out in the country. I remember when she and Russ surprised us when they arrived to the study after having secretly gotten married.
I enjoyed her upbeat playing of piano for the hymns and children's songs at church. Back at the building on Kentucky is what I remember most.
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Warren-McElwain Mortuary & Cremation Services - Lawrence Chapel120 W 13th St, Lawrence, KS 66044
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