Leonore "Lee" Rahn Farris passed away on October 31, 2019, at the age of 87. Her knack for making people smile—even in the most frustrating situations—will be greatly missed. Our hearts are heavy with the loss of our family Matriarch.
Lee was born on September 27, 1932, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She was the oldest child of Lydia and Wilhelm Rahn. After leaving high school, Lee worked as a telephone operator in Vancouver, British Columbia.
During a visit to Seattle, Washington in 1952, Lee met Buddy Joe Farris, a US Navy sailor fresh out of boot camp. They kept in touch with periodic letters over the next four years and eventually reunited during Bud's shore leave in Bremerton, Washington. After a short courtship, the couple tied the knot in a small military chapel in Bremerton on July 9, 1955. Much to Bud's dismay, each of the twenty-five service men that attended the wedding gave Lee a big smooch as they left the chapel.
After they wed, Lee joined Bud in Lexington, Kentucky. The couple briefly lived in Kingston, New York, before making their way to "Farris Hill," their home in Austin, Texas. Lee and Bud raised their three children, Kim, Rodney, and Tina, atop "Farris Hill." The family also raised countless dogs, horses, chickens, pigs, goats, bunnies, and cats; Lee could never turn down an animal-in-need. She also proudly served on the board of the Austin Women's Bowling Association.
Over the years, Lee conquered various health issues. And when we say conquered, we mean it; she survived several rounds of cancer, heart problems, and even getting run over and pinned down by a car! Through it all, Lee's indescribable charisma and her relentless drive to live (preferably with a milkshake or two in-hand) helped the family get through the most daunting of situations.
Lee was predeceased by Bud, her devoted husband of 60 years, her mother and father, her brother Cliff, and her two grandchildren Christopher and Jonathan Standridge.
She will be grievously missed by her three children, Kim Standridge (husband Alan), Rodney Farris, and Tina Farris (husband, Brian Clapper); her brother Wes Rahn (wife Adina ); her six grandchildren, Kristina Miranda (husband Justin), Wesley Farris, Kasey Wells (husband Curtis), Brit Clapper, Elliott Clapper, and Miguel Standridge; and her two great-grandchildren Kylie and Kelton Wells.
The family will receive friends and relatives at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 6, 2019, at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Funeral Home, with a celebration of Lee's life to follow at noon. Interment will follow at Cook-Walden/Forest Oaks Memorial Park.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to friends and relatives for their thoughts and support during this time.
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