Virginia Evelyn Farwell
September 6, 1931 – July 7, 2021
On Wednesday, July 7, Virginia Evelyn Farwell left this earth to be welcomed by her Lord Jesus Christ and many loved ones to a place where her faith has now become sight. Virginia was born on September 6, 1931, and died on July 7, 2021, just shy of her 90th birthday.
She was born in Arlington, near Riverside, California. The family soon moved to Glen Avon, where her dad farmed. In 1939, the family moved to Notus, Idaho, where her mother and father developed a dairy farm. They were active members of First Baptist Church of Notus as well. Virginia received most of her education in Notus, and upon high school graduation she returned to California to attend Westmont College in Santa Barbara.
Through youth activities among neighboring churches in the Treasure Valley, Virginia met her husband of 62 years, Clyde Farwell. They married in January of 1952 and made their first home in Notus, Idaho. Later they moved to Parma, Idaho, where their first child, Dale, was born. Virginia’s mother passed away only a month before the baby came. This was a very hard time for her, and she shared it with others only a few times. In 1953, looking for more affordable farm ground, they moved to Othello, Washington, to farm new ground opening up in the Columbia Basin Project. They built and moved into a 16x24-foot home without running water and only tar paper for siding. In 1956, they built the home where they raised their four boys. Making this house a home, serving the Lord for nearly 60 years at First Baptist Church, gave her lasting purpose and joy.
Virginia was no stranger to hard work, opening her heart and home to many people over the years. Perhaps you were blessed to be a recipient of her hospitality, too. In the spring of 2015, she moved to Sandpoint, Idaho, to live at Luther Park. She enjoyed living near her son David and wife Barbara. In her later years she struggled with failing eyesight but didn’t let that discourage her from caring for others.
She was preceded in death by her husband Clyde; parents Paul and Evelyn Butcher; brother Marshall Butcher; son Randy Farwell; and granddaughter Kelsey Farwell. Virginia is survived by her brother Donald Butcher. She is also survived by her sons Dale (Dianne) Farwell of Phoenix, Arizona, Roger (Becky) Farwell of Othello, Washington, David (Barbara) Farwell of Sagle, Idaho, and daughter-in-law Cathy Farwell of Westlake Village, California. Surviving grandchildren are Ryan (Christina) Farwell, Jennie (Paul) Booker, Anna (Mark) Tipton, Jonathan Farwell, Lyndsay (Daniel) Holland, Brian (Amanda) Farwell, Kari (Barton) Crist, Allison (Justin) Trammell, Erica (A.J.) Mess and Michael Farwell. Great-grandchildren include Jackson, Jaden and Juliana Booker; Carter, Carsonand Peyten Farwell; Jasmine, Tyler and Natalie Tipton; Haylee Mess; Addisyn and Mckynzie Holland; Aria and Evan Trammell; Adalyn and Caleb Farwell; and Cora and Milo Crist.
Her memorial service will be held Aug. 5 with a family graveside at Bess Hampton Cemetery at 1 p.m. The service will begin at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 705 E. Larch St., Othello. Following the service, a dinner reception will be held at the north campus, 1130 E. Pine St. Memorial donations may be made to New Song Bible Church, 470250 Highway 95, Sagle, ID 83860, and First Baptist Church, 705 E. Larch St., Othello, WA 99344, to be used for missions.