OLIVE FARMER

1927 - 2007

Olive Farmer, 80, a resident of Red Bluff, died Friday, January 18, 2008 in Redding, CA.

Olive was born August 13, 1927 in Meridian, CA to Richard S. Simmons and Jesse Merkley Simmons.

She attended grammar school in Gridley, CA and Gridley Union High School. She married ZA Farmer on January 26, 1946 in Gridley, CA and would have celebrated their 62nd anniversary this coming Saturday.

Olive was, first and foremost, a Christian wife and mother - a joyful homemaker. Though she was sometimes employed outside her home, her priority was her family. She always had a listening ear and a nurturing heart, which spilled over in caring for nieces, nephews, grandchildren and friends. She was known for her compassion for the poor and needy and would never refuse "a cup of cold water" to a stranger, often opening her home to those in need.

In past years, Olive used her creative abilities as a wedding planner for her daughters, other family members and friends, fashioning everything from bouquets to bridal veils, as well as catering food for receptions. Other creative skills included sewing, painting and writing poetry and creating "sets" and costumes for dramatic presentations.

Although Olive lived most of her life in this area, she also lived in Virginia and Colorado when her husband's job transferred them there. She loved to travel. She and her husband toured the nation many times, and for their 40th wedding anniversary their children gave them a trip to Europe to visit two of their daughters. Of all the countries visited, Olive considered Holland the most delightful.

Olive was known for her sense of humor and quick wit, and loved laughter. She was a "people person" and it was her utmost desire that she would reflect her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ to all she met.

Survivors include her husband ZA Farmer of Red Bluff, daughter, Linda Kelly of Red Bluff, son Zane Farmer of Arkansas, daughters, Peggy and husband Randy Lewis of Red Bluff, Shirley and husband Joseph Cuda of Red Bluff and Dawn Vincent of Red Bluff, 14 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, 3 sisters, 2 brothers and their wives, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Wednesday, January 23 and again Thursday, January 24, from 9:00 am to 10:30 am at Bethel Assembly of God Church, at 625 Luther Road.

Services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 24, 2008 at Bethel Assembly of God Church.

Red Bluff Simple Cremations and Burial Service is handling arrangements. 527-1732.