Sylvia Ruth Farmer

On December 5, 2023, Sylvia Ruth Belcher Farmer passed away peacefully at the age of 88 after a brief illness at The Maples Bluestone Nursing Home under the care of Hospice. Born in Kegley, West Virginia, on July 1st, 1935, to Richard Belcher and Nellie Martin Belcher, Sylvia, the only child, spent her childhood roaming the rolling hills and valleys of Mercer County. She attended Spanishburg schools, graduating in 1953 from the local high school. As a young adult, she moved to Dayton, Ohio, and worked at the National Cash Register Company, where the first electric cash registers were produced. She was proud of her accomplishments while working in Ohio and spoke of it often. Sylvia had a zest for life and was striving to live to be 100 years old. Despite this shortcoming, she possessed a wittiness, humor, and a brilliant authenticity, which she maintained until her last day. She would speak of her childhood and her life and had mastered the art of storytelling. Often, she would talk about helping her father with boat tours on the shores of Shawnee Lake. She married Raymond Harold Farmer in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on January 23, 1957. Raymond worked as a coal miner with Semet Solvay. Having been the only child, Sylvia knew she wanted a big family. The couple would have thirteen healthy children and would be married for 23 years. Unfortunately, Raymond passed away early in life at only 53 years old. After Raymond’s death in 1979, Sylvia played the role of mother and father for her thirteen children at a time when this was not common. Despite these struggles, she always provided her children with a loving and warm presence. Sylvia would go on to meet all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She leaves behind her beloved children, Richard Edward Belcher, Carol Ann Criswell, Theresa Lynn Tiller, Janet Lee Whiddon, Laura Mae Spradlin, David Allen Farmer, Julie Faye Blackwell, Christopher Mark Farmer, Jeffrey Wayne Farmer, and is preceded in death by her sons Douglas, Steve, and Thomas Farmer. She cherished her many grandchildren, Jessica Chenoweth and Ella Criswell; Christina and Justin Tiller; Raymond and Allen Farmer; Matthew Whiddon; Samuel and Angela Spradlin; Kayla Farmer; Bethany Wolford, Brandi, and Baylea Blackwell; Rebecca Farmer; Katie, Emily, and Mary Farmer. Her family and friends will mourn her loss but will celebrate her life and the many ensuing lives she has created. Not only could she recall a story as if it were yesterday, but she would also recite the words to jingles and songs by heart. The day before her passing, she sang Elvis’ “Love Me Tender” to her youngest daughter, Julie. May God lead our mother into Heaven down a country road to take her home. “May the sunshine warm upon your face. May the rains fall upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of His hand.” ~ Irish Blessing A celebration of life will be held on July 1, 2024 starting at 2:00 PM at Camp Creek State Park for friends and family.

Sylvia Ruth Farmer

July 1, 1935 - December 5, 2023