Bette J. Farner
Bette J. Farner
February 24, 1941 – October 10, 2017
Oskaloosa, Iowa | Age 76
Bette Farner, 76, of Oskaloosa, died Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at the Oskaloosa Care Center in Oskaloosa. She was born February 24, 1941, in Eden Township, South Dakota, the daughter of Milton and Stella Walsten Marshall.
Bette grew up in Sioux City, Iowa. Her family eventually moved to Arizona, however, Bette stayed behind and she graduated from Sioux City Central High School in 1959.
Bette was united in marriage to David Michael (Mike) Farner that same year. To this union two sons were born, Chad and Todd. The family moved to Oskaloosa in 1968 so that Mike could join his father and brother in starting Farner Wholesale. In 1969, her husband Mike was killed in an automobile accident.
As a young widow with two boys to raise, Bette rejoined the working world. She worked various places in Oskaloosa including Sears, Walton Insurance and the Oskaloosa High School. In 1978 Bette joined R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company as a sales representative. She worked for them for more than 20 years. Bette was proud of her accomplishments with the company, being one of the few female reps and covering a territory of many counties in SE Iowa.
Upon retirement in 2000 she continued to remain active in the community. Bette worked with handicapped children through 1st Resources, helped compile health data for a study of inner city St. Louis residents, and was elected to serve on the city park board. While on the board she played an instrumental role in getting the MCRF started.
Bette enjoyed golfing and volunteering. She was a member of the First Christian Church. Bette might be best known however, for her many letters to the Editor that appeared in the Oskaloosa Herald.
Her family includes her two sons and their wives, Chad & Janet Farner of Oskaloosa, and Todd & Rebecca Farner of Lombard, Illinois; two grandchildren, Rachel and Ethan; a brother in law, Dick Farner of Des Moines; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Bette was preceded in death by her husband, Mike; her parents; three sisters: Phyllis Marshall, Virginia Larsen, and Shirley Gaines; and two brothers, Stanley and Gordon Marshall.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, October 28, 2017, at 11 a.m. in the Bates Funeral Chapel with Reverend Molly Goodrich officiating.
As was Bette’s wish her body has been cremated.
Burial of the urn will be in the Forest Cemetery in Oskaloosa. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Visitation with the family present will be held on Saturday, October 28, 2017, from 9 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m.
Memorials may be made to the Ecumenical Cupboard or the First Christian Church in Oskaloosa.
To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Bette J. Farner please visit the Bates Funeral Chapel Sympathy Store.
