Mary Jane Farmer

Mary Jane Farmer, age 93, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was welcomed into heaven and reunited with the love of her life, Evan, on February 1, 2025, surrounded by her family filling the room with love, laughter, and tears. Mary Jane was born on September 5, 1931, at the farmhouse in Aroma, Hamilton County, Indiana to Cecil and Margaret E. Fox who have preceded her in death. She graduated from Walnut Grove High School in Hamilton County with the class of 1949. Mary Jane received a bachelor’s degree from Ball State Teachers College in 1953, and a Masters Degree from University of Northern Colorado in 1958. Mary Jane loved teaching and taught elementary school in LaPorte and East Allen Schools for 40 years. Her delight was teaching beginning students to read. She developed individualized lesson plans for struggling students before it was required. Many of her students will remember her being strict but loving, In addition to teaching, she had a heart for God and music. She directed choirs and played organ for many churches. Our home was always filled with music. Mary Jane also loved her flower gardens, reading, sewing (often making matching outfits) traveling, writing poems, blue birds, and making cookies for the grandkids who say “Grandma=cookies!”. She was well known for her pizza from scratch and delicious pies.

On December 20, 1952, Mary Jane married the joy of her heart, Evan Lee Farmer. Although those early years had some tough times, they always had each other, their love, and their God. Their example of love has been a role model for all. After the loss of 2 infant girls, they were blessed with 2 sons, Kevin and Kyle, and rounded out their family with the adoption of their baby girl, Kim. She was the rock of the family - strong, humble, and kind, with an amazing smile. Mary Jane absolutely adored her family and was always ready with words of support, babysitting, snuggling in the rocking chair singing lullabies, and most of all unconditional love (even with her strong discipline keeping us all in line!) Their home was always filled with love, God, laughter, hours of games (including Liverpool Rum, dominoes and Rummikub), music, adventure, and of course cookies. Mom was first a mom and then later in life, became our best friend and we will miss her guidance, optimism, and hugs.

Mary Jane and Evan enjoyed sharing their love and life experiences through the Engaged Encounter Program, attending concerts and theater productions. They traveled extensively around the United States and made many return trips to the Mountains of Colorado and Native American schools to volunteer in the classrooms. In recent years, they have spent many hours reading, completing puzzles, designing decorations for their door every month, and pouring over the pictures of their lives. They have been blessed through their struggles and their joys. Mary Jane was an amazing role model who, along with Evan, had a zest for life and adventure that has left a lasting impression on all that knew her.

Mary Jane is survived by her children: Kevin (Shirley) Farmer, Kyle (Karen) Farmer, and Kim (Gary) Smith; grandchildren: William (Chelsey) Farmer, Rachel (Scott) Bushong, Rebecca (Phillip) Stenger, Andrew Smith, Elizabeth Smith, and Evan A. Farmer; five great-grandchildren: Sydney, Abrey, Evan J., Isaac, and Emerson; step-grandson, Chad (Amy) Davis and their children: Elli, Claire, Ava, Aila, and Owen; and nephew, Dan (Carol) Perkins. She is also survived by sisters-in-law, June Fox and Norita Fox: brother-in-law, Russell Moore; and many nieces and nephews who she loved dearly. Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of over 70 years, Evan Farmer; infant daughters, Nannette Marie and Beth Ann Farmer; sisters: Phyllis (Roy) Jacobs, Linda Fox, Joanna Fox, Evelyn Fox, and Eleanor Moore; brothers, Kenneth Fox and Robert Fox; and several nieces and nephews.

Services celebrating Mary Jane’s life will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Joe United Methodist Church with Pastor Ron VerLee officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. A time for sharing love, laughter and memories will be provided following the service at a reception at Heritage Pointe of Ft. Wayne beginning at 3:30 p.m. Mary Jane and Evan’s cremated remains will be interred at Cedar Creek Cemetery in DeKalb County at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be directed to Operation Smile, PO Box 758588, Topeka, KS 66675, online at www.operationsmile.org, or calling 888-677-6453. Arrangements entrusted to Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home.