Elizabeth Ann (Betty) Farmer, of Cocoa Beach, FL passed away peacefully at Cape Canaveral Hospital on July 8, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was 87 years old.
Betty was born on October 30, 1935, in Freedom, IN to Clark and Dorothy Johnson in their small apartment above Johnson’s Restaurant. She graduated from Lincoln High School in Vincennes, IN in 1954. She married the love of her life, Ralph, and began their adventure of living in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana due to his job at J.C Penney Co. She loved meeting new people along the way and setting up a lovely household in each new place. Although she was a homemaker for the majority of her years, in later life she took jobs as an office manager at dental and dermatology businesses, where she “ran the place”.
Betty and Ralph eventually retired in Florida and built their dream home and life. They entertained friends both far and near, and their family enjoyed numerous visits. While in Florida she learned the game of Mahjong, where her competitive nature came out, and the thrill of winning a quarter game became a passion. She was known for her cooking skills, especially her chocolate chip cookies, which were eagerly devoured by the grandkids. Betty was also a skilled seamstress, sewing any1hing from clothing to fixing torn blue jeans. Betty and Ralph were avid Indiana Hoosier fans, being born Hoosiers, as well as season ticket holding Green Bay Packer fans, from their time living in Wisconsin.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph, her parents, Clark and Dorothy Johnson, brother Marvin Johnson, and sister Jean Moenning. She is survived by her children, Angie (Jim) Walsh of Potomac, IL, Jeff (Julia) Farmer of Cape Canaveral, FL, Suzie (Mark) Bell of Port Charlotte, FL, and Kris (Rob) Foncannon of Newburgh, IN. Grandchildren include Abby Walsh of Springfield, IL, Adam Walsh of Champaign, IL, Zack Foncannon of Austin, TX, Alex Foncannon of Minneapolis, MN, Reece Foncannon of Newburgh, IN, Jordan Farmer of Orlando, FL, Justin Farmer of Englewood, FL, as well as two precious great-grandchildren, Jake and Stella Farmer. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to her nephew, Dr. Timothy Janz, his wife Susan, and his wonderful, caring office staff.
A private family service will be held in Vincennes, IN, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband of 61 years. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Online memories may be sent to Betty’s family and friends at www.goodwinsievers.com. Goodwin-Sievers Funeral Home is privileged and honored to be entrusted with the care of Betty and her family.
