Margaret Bell Farmer

Margaret Bell Farmer after a long health struggle died April 19th at Edgewater Woods. Margaret was born on January 8, 1930. She was 95.

Margaret was one of 10 children, Max, Carlos, Ellen, Patricia, Walter, Loretta, Peggy, Ralph, and Janet. All born to Ithel and George Renfro (deceased).

Margaret was born soon after the stock market crash, a depression baby. Her family was poor, but this put them below the poverty level.

Margaret was in for a bumpy ride. In no time she could help out with chores. Gathered coal with siblings to keep warm off the railroad tracks. She picked berries there too, never enough food for a big family.

Margaret's dad lost his job as a lineman on the railroad, things went downhill fast, lots of moving around. Had to live in a tent by the railroad tracks. She helped clean out a chicken coop, anywhere to call home.

By the age of 9 Margaret's dad was sent to the big house and her mom put her in charge of managing the monthly $100 welfare check. This caused some sibling jealousy, but Margaret forged ahead. Tiny 9-year-old Margaret left childhood behind. 

With no money for books or clothes Margaret fought hard to stay in school. Determined, she graduated at Knightstown High School.

Margaret worked at the canning factory with her mom till she got a job in Indy. Rode the bus to work at Indiana Bell. She was a telephone operator. Thus, her nickname Maggie Bell.

Margaret was blessed with one daughter, Carol Ann Higdon (deceased). Her daughter Stephanie Provine started a line of grandkids.

In time, her sister Patricia introduced her to Bible truths. Margaret soon became one of Jehovah's witnesses. Margaret was very active in the Anderson North Kingdom Hall. Margarat always wanted to be a schoolteacher, she was happy to learn she could teach the bible to others.

She met and married Lee Goar (deceased), till she was widowed at 43. Trained at H & R Block to do taxes. Margaret's priority remained with her many Bible studies. Though a short woman, 4 ft 11 in, Margaret could talk to anyone. To family she was the big sister and kept in touch with all the relatives. Loved making desserts for the friends and talking.

Margaret went on to remarry Donald Farmer (deceased). He had two daughters Donna (Mark Amick) both deceased, and Donneta (John Buchanan). This marriage gave Margaret more grandchildren.

Margaret was able right to the end to stay close to one grandson, Andrew Bolton, wife Jenni, and son Drew. Their visits and phone calls meant so much to Margaret. Margaret is survived by only two sisters, Peggy (Marvin Walker) and Janet (James Keck).

She still will be missed by many grandkids, nieces, nephews and friends. Margaret was the heart of the family. We leave her in Jehovah God's memory. 

Special thanks to her family at Edgewater Woods alongside nurse Donna and Community Hospice team.