Obituary of Marion R Farrish

Marion R. Farrish, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away Sunday, Aug. 28.

She was born Feb. 11, 1918, at St Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Donald H. Farrish; her parents, Arvid and Alma Backstrom; and her sister, Janet Murgatroyd.

Marion Farrish

Survivors include her children, Sandra Sullivan (Jack Miller), Topeka, Kan., and John Farrish (Sara Donovan), St Paul, Minn.; her grandchildren, Debra Azeltine (James Azeltine), Leawood, Kan., Lori Sullivan, Topeka, Kan., and Kelly Arrington, St Paul, Minn.; and her great grandchildren Alicia, Alan and Andrea Azeltine (Leawood, Kan.).

While growing up on a farm in Richfield, the Backstrom family held weekly dances for neighbors. Her Dad played the violin, her sister played the piano accordion and she played the banjo, guitar, and piano. Marion graduated from McKinley High School, Marshfield, and was the 1937 Wood County Dairy Queen and second runner up in the state competition. After graduation, she worked for Roddis Timber and Veneer and Gross Brothers Trucking.

She married Donald H. Farrish in 1941, and has been a tireless community volunteer for over 50 years. Her many contributions include Girl Scouts (53 years) where she was awarded the Thanks Badge, Wood County 4-H (Pioneer Award), Homemakers (36 years), Eastern Star (50 years), United Church of Christ (50 years), Cub Scout Leader (12 years), Ladies Elks (30 years), and a strong supporter of Little League and American Legion Baseball.

Marion also spent many years helping family and friends when they were in need. She did hair for many years for many elderly Wisconsin Rapids women. She will be missed for her sense of humor, generosity, and friendship to many.

There will be a viewing Saturday, Sept. 3, from 10 a.m. to noon followed by a noon memorial service. Both the viewing and the memorial service will be at the Taylor Funeral Home, 2201 Chestnut St., Wisconsin Rapids. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Don and Marion Farrish Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater South Wood County, 478 E. Grand Ave, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, 54494.