Mary Nell Farmer

Mary was born March 27, 1938, in Gilmer, Texas to Rita and Leonard Pendarvis. The family moved to Mosel, MS briefly, before eventually settling in Odessa, Missouri where she attended school through graduation. Mary had a lifelong love of animals, her family raised dairy and beef cattle, and chickens. This is where she met her lifelong best friend, Catharine Whiteman. Together they were pioneers of their time, being the first females to show livestock in Lafayette County 4H.

Later, Mary met the love of her life, Bob Farmer. They married on December 21, 1957, and began raising their family when their first son, Donnie was born in December 1958. A daughter, Anita Kay and son, Ron followed. Mary’s love of animals continued with her raising and showing registered quarter horses, even riding in the annual American Royal Parade. She began competing at local horse shows and worked her way up to several nearby State Fairs and Futurities, winning numerous first place sterling silver buckles, trophies and blue ribbons along the way.

In 1978 Mary and Bob started and ran their own auto, home, and commercial glass business, eventually growing to 3 area locations and remaining successful until they decided to retire and sell the business on its 30th anniversary.

Mary did not slowdown in retirement, choosing instead to fulfill another life-long dream of writing and publishing a children’s book. A book filled with several animated short stories about the animals she was surrounded by and admired from her childhood on the farm. The Adventures of Mikey and Baby Coco, later republished under the title, The Ghost in Walnut Hollow, is a piece of her childhood she was excited to share with so many children who didn’t have the opportunity to grow up on a farm.

In her later years, Mary loved rides through the country, admiring cattle-filled pastures and sharing stories about the cattle and horses she raised. She was at peace in nature, it’s where she felt most at home, and where her family will always remain connected.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband: Bob Farmer, son: Donnie Farmer (Lori), grandson: Eric Farmer (Melissa), grandson: Chance Ryder, mother: Rita Smith (Marcus), father: Leonard Pendarvis, sister: Ruby Watts (Curtis), brother: Bill Pendarvis (Corrine) and sister: Rita Louise (Chester).

She is survived by daughter: Kay Ryder, son: Ron Farmer (Coley), brother: Mike Smith (Margo), great Grandsons: Landon Farmer and Tyler Farmer, great granddaughter: Ryen Farmer (Hunter) and great, great grandchildren: Avalynn and Vader.

A visitation for Mary will be held Wednesday, March 27, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Newcomer's Noland Road Chapel, 509 S Noland Rd, Independence, Missouri 64050, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM.