Margaret Bentley Farmer

Margaret Bentley Farmer, age 96, passed from this life on June 17th 2014. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Henry Clifton Famer, in 1999. She is survived by son Michael (Diann) and daughter Rita (Wayne) Means; grandchildren Karen (Frank) Barerra, Kelli Farmer, Andrew Farmer, Tiffany Means and Amy (Mike) Zdunowski; great-grandchildren Ava Barrera, Zachary Barrera and Kayleigh Zdunowski; and sister Helen Bentley Mann of Chandler, AZ.

Margaret was born June 6, 1918 on the family farm outside Oglethorpe, GA to George Albert and Chessie Hamby Bentley. She was the first of seven children, 5 of who survived to adulthood. She lived an almost idyllic childhood with her sisters on the family farm during the depths of the depression. Margaret and her sisters Vivian, Helen, Janette, and Karleen would endlessly entertain the guests at “the Farm” with the stories of their youth, filled with hard work, mischievousness, good food and endless love.

A member of the Greatest Generation, she endured the Great Depression and extended separation from her husband during the desperate days of WWII. Margaret prospered as an Army wife in many locations far from her childhood home. She taught her family Christian values and the power of Love. Her gift was preparing food for those who were shut in or in need. She was also an avid gardener who greatly enjoyed the beauty and miracle of nature.

She and her family came to Columbus in 1961 and, except for a 9-month tour to Ft. Bliss, TX, that remained her home for the next 53 years. Margaret was an avid swimmer, who swam daily at the downtown YMCA well into her early 90’s. She is a member of the Morningside Baptist Church and has previously been a member of the Wynnton Road and Benning Hills Baptist Churches.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, June 24, 2014 in Edgewood Hall at Striffler-Hamby 4071 Macon Road Columbus. Friends are welcome to come celebrate with family the life and accomplishments of an exceptional Christian woman.

The family will receive friends 9:00 am, on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Columbus Hospice 7020 Moon Road Columbus, GA 31909, or to your favorite charity. In memory of Margaret Bentley Farmer.

Online condolences may be offered at www.shcolumbus.com