A graduate of Estherville High School, she received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota where she was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. In 1964 she received a master’s degree from the University of Denver, and she continued her lifelong passion for learning through course work from Drake University, the University of Iowa, and her many travels throughout the world.

She married Keith Farmer on June 16, 1937, in Estherville, Iowa. He preceded her in death on January 2, 1979.

Mrs. Farmer managed the dining room in the Park Hotel from 1937 to 1957 when the hotel was sold. She then returned to the teaching profession and taught English at Sac Community High School until her retirement in 1981.

Mrs. Farmer received the Distinguished Service Award from the Iowa Council of Teachers of English in 1979 for outstanding work in her field.

A love for Sac City led to her active participation and support of many community projects. She volunteered on behalf of the Community Chest and the building of the new elementary school. She was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church and then First Presbyterian Church. She also enjoyed her activities in P.E.O., Sac City Women Club, Book Club, Contract Bridge, Loring Hospital Benefit Bridge, Sac Country Club, Red Hats, and many other social activities.

After her retirement, Mrs. Farmer lived in Sun City, Arizona, during the winter. She was a member of Palm Brook Country Club and participated in numerous social activities during the winter months.

Mrs. Farmer died Friday, February 2, 2007, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, Kansas.

Survivors include two daughters, Mary K Sine, Overland Park, Kansas, and Joan Parr and husband David, Lawrence, Kansas, four grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

Memorial services for Mrs. Farmer, 93, Sac City, will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 10 at First Presbyterian Church in Sac City. A private burial at Oakland Cemetery will precede the service.

The family suggests memorials to the Mary and Keith Farmer Scholarship in care of Farber and Otteman Funeral Home.