Muriel Farr

Muriel Ferris Farr was a delightful woman with an outgoing personality that brought light and life to all those around her. She was a dedicated wife and mother with a strong faith which was something that she not only possessed, but it was the point of reference by which she framed her every thought, her every word, and her every deed. To Muriel, life was not about the amount of material wealth she could acquire, but about the precious relationships she fostered with those she cherished most, her family. The decade of the 1910s was an eventful time within our nations history as we had witnessed the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, the growth of labor unions in our country as the middle class grew more and more unhappy, and WWI, which began in 1914 and lasted for the following four years. John and Wilmont (Phillips) Crawford, of Boston, Michigan were able to shift their focus from the world around them to an exciting time within their own family. They were anticipating the birth of their second child at any time and were indeed blessed on January 5, 1915 with the healthy birth of their daughter, Muriel. Muriel and her older sister Helen were later joined by siblings Marjorie, John (Jack), and two half brothers, Russell and Lynn as well. For many of her younger years, Muriel grew up in Boston, located in the northern portion of the Upper Peninsula just outside of Calumet, where her father was a teacher in a one room schoolhouse and her mother was a homemaker and cared for the children. As one of the older children in her family, Muriel was responsible for helping care for the younger children, developing a nurturing trait in Muriel that would remain with her throughout her entire lifetime. After a time, Muriels family moved downstate to Muskegon where she attended Muskegon Public Schools. As was so common for young people growing up in the twenties and thirties, Muriel completed her education only through the eleventh grade. What was of great significance during this time was Muriels introduction to a young man named Merle C. Ferris. It wasnt long before the two had fallen in love and were married in June of 1932, beginning a new chapter in a love story which would span more than fifty years. They remained in the Muskegon area and were soon blessed with the births of two children, Jack and Alice. In addition to her roles as a wife and mother, Muriel was an in-home-seamstress doing alterations, costumes for dance reviews, and cheerleader uniforms for Muskegon Catholic High School among many other projects through the years. Faith was an important cornerstone in Muriels life and her faith was very real to her as well. She was an active member of First Christian Church of Muskegon for what would be 79 years. She was believed to have the longest standing membership of any other member of that congregation. Muriel also became the first woman elder of the church in 1976 and she also served as the church financial secretary for over 21 years before retiring. Life drastically changed for Muriel when her husband, Merle, died in 1985, but Muriels zest for life remained strong during this difficult time. She was blessed to find love a second time when she met and married Tom Farr in November of 1986. With this union Muriel also gained Tom's two sons, Gerald and Jim to add to her list of loved ones. After just a few years, Muriel again lost her husband with Toms death in 1989. Shortly after his death, Muriel moved to Jackson for two years and then again returned to Muskegon during the fall of 1991. Muriel met a man named Darl Staley who was a retired captain of the Muskegon Fire Department. They enjoyed each others companionship and together they traveled all over the state of Michigan and spent their winters at Muriels place in Florida. When she decided to sell her place in Florida, they still desired to trade in the cold Michigan winters for the sunny south and they traveled to Gulf Shores, Alabama a couple of times. Darl and Muriel remained together until she needed assisted care and moved to Grand Traverse Pavilion in Traverse City where she was closer to her son, Jack. Although they were physically separated, Muriel and Darl still spoke on the phone together daily. There were a few interests and traits that were unique to Muriel and that she enjoyed pursuing. She loved angels and had quite a collection that included figurines, pendants, necklaces, and any other angel items she could find. Muriel was outgoing by nature and she enjoyed being social as well and was a member of various social clubs. She was an avid reader and had numerous volumes of books of her own and she also spent countless hours at the library where she indulged in even more books. Muriel was an intelligent woman and could be quite persuasive, especially when it concerned matters she felt passionate about. Whether she was reading her favorite book, visiting the beautiful shores of Florida, or enjoying the fellowships of her church family, Muriel Ferris Farr carried herself with beauty, compassion, and grace. She was a dedicated wife, mother, and friend and she was also a devoted Christian woman who strived to please her Lord and Savior each and every day. Muriel was an enchanting woman with many friends as people were easily drawn to her sunny disposition and her warm heart. Muriel made the most of each day she was given and she will be deeply missed. Muriel Ferris Farr died on Friday, May 1, 2009 in Traverse City. Muriels family includes her son, Jack (Barb) Ferris of Traverse City; daughter, Alice (Joe) Stump of Greenwood, IN; 7 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren and another great grandchild due in October; 2 stepsons, Gerald Farr of Fl, Jim (Cindy) Farr of Muskegon. She was preceded in death by her parents, 2 sisters, Helen Greer and Marjorie Messenger; a brother, Jack Crawford and special friend, Darl Staley. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2009, 11:00 a.m. at the chapel of Clock Life Story Funeral Homes - Muskegon location - Muskegon, MI with Rev. Robert Opperman officiating. Interment at Lakeside Cemetery, Muskegon. Visit with Muriels family and friends on Tuesday 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory, sign the online guest book, or make a memorial contribution to First Christian Church Memorial Fund.