Ruth Farr

Ruth Mitchell Farr, 91, entered through the gates to our Heavenly Father Friday, August 24, 2012. After selling her home in Ventura, she was a resident at the Bonaventure Independent Living facility in Ventura where she passed away under the loving care of Livingston Hospice. She has been a resident of Ventura since 1951 when she and her husband, Bob Farr moved from Oklahoma City. Ruth was born in Ponca City, Oklahoma on June 14, 1921 to William John Mitchell and Hazel Bruns Mitchell. She was the second of four children; Margaret Proctor, William J. Mitchell II, and Mary Hazel Miles, all preceding Ruth in death. Ruth’s family moved to Oklahoma City where she spent most of her school age years. She loved music throughout her life and played the piano from the age of five years old, enjoying recitals throughout her school years. In high school she also played the cello in the school orchestra. Her family moved to Witchita Falls, Texas where she attended Witchita Falls High School her senior year. She graduated with a group of friends that she kept in touch with throughout her life, celebrating their friendships and attending annual reunions at each other’s homes or vacation spots. Ruth attended college in Norman, Oklahoma, but as WWII broke out she decided to join the U. S. Navy. As a Wave she served in payroll as a Storekeeper Second Class for three years. Just prior to their both being discharge from the Navy, she met Robert “Bob” Farr and they married on June 6, 1946 in Oklahoma City. They moved to Columbus, Ohio to attend Ohio State University where Ruth majored in music. Ruth and Bob were married for 55 years, enjoying a lovely 50th wedding anniversary celebration at their church, First United Methodist in Ventura. Bob preceded Ruth in death on February 12, 2001.

Ruth devoted her life to her family, her church, her community, and her friends. She contributed significantly in many ways through building traditions in her family, providing hospitality in her home, and serving in various capacities in her church and community.

Bob and Ruth raised their family in the First United Methodist Church where they attended the same Sunday school class for over 50 years, and one of their most memorable experiences was their Walk to Emmaus weekends. During the years 1959–63, Ruth and Bob served as the Methodist Youth Fellowship counselors for over 90 young people. They also enjoyed dancing with the La Estrella Dance Club. Ruth served in many capacities throughout her lifetime of church membership including United Methodist Women at the local, district and regional levels, fellowship groups, camp and Sunday school ministry for children and youth, communion preparation, kitchen help with events and meals, committees, and Ruth also was a member and served as president for the Claremont School of Theology Auxiliary, attending the School of Christian Mission Programs which she enjoyed and inspired her. Ruth was also active in Buenaventura Federated Women’s Club for 54 years serving as president, committee chairman of several groups, and involved in many service projects locally and at the district level with the Tierra Adorada District. Ruth was a charter member of Ventura County Food Share for over 25 years and performed tasks from gleaning in the fields, serving on various committees and working in the office as a volunteer. She was a member of Ventura County Council of Churches for many years and served as their only female president for four years. She was instrumental in starting up a Church Women United Group in Ventura and served with them during the 1970’s. Ruth was involved with the Ventura County Fair for over 35 years serving as a judge and hostess. She was also an active participant, entering a variety of her favorite recipes for judging. She collected many first place ribbons. Ruth was a “Pink Lady” at Community Memorial Hospital for 13 years and was a faithful visitor to many of her friends who were hospitalized. Other groups that Ruth was active in were Child Abuse and Neglect, Eastern Star, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Salvation Army, and American Cancer Society (Relay for Life).

Ruth crocheted many gifts for her children and friends over the years and was also a good seamstress. She loved to cook and decorate her home for holidays and visitors. She was an avid bridge player and played with several groups of wonderful friends, spending lots of time at the Saticoy Country Club. Her last two years at the Bonaventure were a treasure to her where she thrived on the fellowship and freedom to enjoy life without having to perform the day-to-day tasks of cooking and housekeeping.

Ruth is preceded in death by her son, William Mitchell Farr who died 9/2/1981. She is survived by her daughters, Lynette (Wayne) Moss of Santa Rosa, CA, Janet (Tom) Campbell of Las Vegas, NV, and Marila (Jeff) Cook of Ventura. Grandchildren include Jeff Sexton of Santa Rosa, CA, Dianna (Jeff) Roberts of Rosharon, TX, Tanya (Doug) Hager of Pearland, TX, Greg (Karen) Campbell of Las Vegas, NV, Brent (Delia) Campbell of Camarillo, CA and Lauren Cook of Westwood, CA. Great-Grandchildren include Robbie Sexton (Santa Rosa), Avrie, Bryce, Colin, and Danae Roberts (Rosharon, TX), Hanna Hager (Pearland, TX), Joseph and Kiana Campbell (Camarillo) Matthew and Emily Campbell (Las Vegas).

Memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church for the Youth Group at 1338 E. Santa Clara Street, Ventura, CA 93001.

Ruth’s family wishes to express their sincere appreciation to the staff and residents of the Bonaventure who made her stay such a pleasant and wonderful experience and to Livingston Hospice for providing so much support during her last few days. In both cases we feel truly fortunate and blessed to have our mother and grandmother surrounded by such loving and kind people.

A Celebration of Life service, for Ruth, will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Ventura, Saturday, September 1, 2012 at 1 p.m. Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Charles Carroll Funeral Home. Phone (805) 642-8134.