Geraldine Louise Farrar

Mrs. Geraldine Louise Farrar 94 buttered a last biscuit, wrapped her bindle and set off on October 19,2015 to follow the endless rails. Mrs. Farrar was born in Ottawa on February 8, 1921 to Charles and Linda (Scherer) Bentson. Her father was an engineer for the Rock Island RR. Her mother was a homemaker. Gerry attended St. Patrick Grade school and graduated from Ottawa High school. In 1940 she met William Grant Farrar III, also from a railroad family (Santa Fe), while attending dances at the Indian Acres Roadhouse. They were married January 9, 1943 in Boston where her husband was awaiting the commissioning of the USS Baltimore (CA. 68). Gerry had been working at the Luminous Processes factory prior to her marriage and, after the birth of her son William in December 1943, she began her career as a homemaker. A second son, Robert, was born in June 1946. Gerry, as she was known, was an exceptional poker player and enjoyed all manner of card games. Many family members and friends have been kept warm and stylish by the sweaters, scarves and afgans that she knitted for them. She was a voracious reader and a diligent housekeeper. She enjoyed collecting antiques, china plates and tiny porcelain shoes. She savored a good cocktail and especially going out to eat. Few people have enjoyed Christmas as much as Gerry for it can be truthfully said that tree decoration and present wrapping and the sending of Christmas cards attained ritual status. There was nothing that she couldn't bake. Her pies and apple dumplings were legendary and because of these her family forgave her Jello salad creations. Gerry was a member of St. Columba parish, The Catholic Daughters of America and was a volunteer at Ottawa Community Hospital. She was also active with the Crusader Drum and Bugle Corps Sponsors Club. She resided most of her married life in South Ottawa and most recently at Pleasant View Lutheran Home where her mother, aunt and father-in-law had also resided. Gerry lived a full life and is survived by sons William Grant IV (Mary) of Toledo, Ohio and Robert Charles (Kimberley) of Roscoe, Five grandchildren: William Grant V, Joanna Leigh, Angela Darlene, Katie Nicole and Rachael Irene, Seven great grandchildren: Ava, Taelyn, Gwendolyn, Alexandra, Evan, Aubrey, and Camden, Three nieces: Linda, Maureen and Christine, Five Nephews: Ivan, Dale, Timothy, Michael and David, Ten grand nephews and nieces. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Geraldine Pfeifer of Morris and her lifelong best friend since childhood Louise Welsh also a resident of Pleasant View Lutheran Home. Gerry was preceded in death by her parents, a twin brother John (at birth), a brother Charles (1986), a sister Shirley (2010) and her husband (2012). Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM Friday October 23, 2015 at St. Columba Church with Rev. David Kipfer officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 10:45 AM on Friday at the Ottawa Funeral Home and Crematory. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to St. Columba church and Pleasant View Lutheran Home