Zola Stalnaker Farmer 1930-2018 Obituary
Zola Stalnaker Farmer departed this earth to join her family in heaven on December 7 2018.
She was born and raised in Bluefield W.Va. After marriage to her husband Joe Farmer and the birth of her son Charles, the family moved north, like many people from the Appalachian mountains, looking for a better job and a better life in the north. Settling in West Toledo, Zola and Joe added to their family with the birth of Marianne. Zola worked several jobs, an elevator operator in a downtown department store (her favorite), working the line in a frozen novelties factory, head cashier and book keeper for grocery stores K-Mart Foods and Center Supermarket, and as an adult education instructor. Her last job was working for her union UFCW local 954, she was always proud to be a union member.
Southern hospitality was always demonstrated in her home as many people can attest that they always left with a full belly and the promise of more of the same whenever they chose to visit; the door was always open. A marvelous decorator, cook and baker, friends looked forward to her Christmas cookie and cake trays every year.
After her children grew up, Zola and her sisters went on annual trips throughout North America and she cherished the memories from these trips. Of all of her relationships in life, nothing compared to the love these 3 sisters had for each other. Never a cross word would be said between any of them. Zola was the last of her brothers and sisters and we are happy that they are now reunited. She will also now be in the company of her husband Joe, son Charles and her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She was given such peace and comfort throughout her trials in life from The Holy Spirit, her life is a testament to God’s power.
She leaves behind her daughter, Marianne Burkett, son-in-law Charles Burkett, grandsons Maxwell Burkett (Lindsay Miller) and Jackson Burkett and great grandson Bode Burkett. Special friends Rita Lessetin and Jackie Swearengen are also remembered at this time. They are the very definition of the word friend.
The family would like to thank the staff of West Park Place and Kingston of Sylvania for the care that she received for many years after her devastating stroke. You were angels to us all. Darrell Fox, who passed away last year, is also remembered with grateful hearts for all that he did for Zola. Theirs was a very special friendship that we were privileged to witness.
Interment will be at Ottawa Hills Memorial Park with graveside service on Thursday December 13th at 10:30 AM. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Zola’s honor to First Congregational Church of Toledo or The Cherry Street Mission. Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, Trilby (419) 473-1301. Online condolences: witzlershanktrilby.com
Zola Stalnaker Farmer 1930-2018 Obituary
