Elizabeth "Betty" May Farabee-Melick

Elizabeth May Farabee-Melick -- known affectionately to nearly everyone as Betty -- passed peacefully on November 20, 2025, at the age of 94. She leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and devotion that touched countless loves over nearly a century.

Born July 28, 1931, Betty lived a remarkable life surrounded by family and friends who adored her. She was immensely proud of her family, celebrating 42 direct descendants, and embraced an even wider circle as "Grandma Betty" to many who loved her like their own. Whether she was delighting in a good crossword puzzle or crocheting a blanket for someone special, Betty found joy in the simple acts of giving and connection.

Betty is survived by her daughter Joanna (Don) Carter; her sister Joan (Paul) McCullom; ten grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in passing by her parents, C. Wilbur and Ruth Wallace Mahaney; her husbands, Evander ("Sonny") Farabee and Walter Melick; her sons, Charles ("Chuck")Farabee, Paul ("Cliff") Farabee, and John Farabee; her sisters Ruth Axe, Marilyn ("Mickey") Kerby, and Carol ("Kay") Hoffman.

A visitation will be held a Crouse-Kauber-Fraley Funeral Home on November 26, 2025, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm; followed by a Memorial Mass at the Church of the Ascension. Betty will be laid to rest at a later date beside her husband Evander ("Sonny") Farabee and son John Farabee at Mt. Olive Cemetery in Zanesville, OH.

Betty's warmth, humor, and unwavering love will be deeply missed, but her spirit lives on in every life she touched and every family story she helped create. May her memory be a blessing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Betty's name to St. Vincent de Paul Society with the Church of the Ascension.