Mary Kay Farwell

Mary Kay Farwell, age 72, of Quincy, peacefully took the hand of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and went home with him on Thursday, October 12, 2023. She was born on February 5, 1951, in Quincy, the daughter of Frank and Katherine (Meyer) Rupp. She married John Farwell on June 12, 1971, and they enjoyed 52 beautiful years together. He survives.

Mary Kay was a journalist for the Quincy Herald-Whig. She became a mother and raised Matthew and Julie. She later worked as a special education teacher and retired as a librarian from the Illinois State Library. She was a member of St. Francis Catholic Church. She loved art, gardening, cooking, and her flowers. She also enjoyed fishing and the outdoors with her husband, John.

In addition to her husband, Mary Kay is also survived by:
TWO CHILDREN: Matthew Farwell (Karen) of Kalispell, MT, and Julie Stevens (Bryan) of West Point, IL.
GRANDDAUGHTERS: Grace Stevens and Caroline Stevens.
SIBLINGS: Marjorie Klingele (Bob) and Barbara Jean Rupp SSND.
SISTERS-IN-LAW: Debbie Rupp and Carol Gilliland
Numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives also survive.

Mary Kay was preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Steve Rupp, and a brother-in-law, Bill Gilliland.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 20, 2023, at 11:00 AM in St. Francis Catholic Church. Private inurnment will take place at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday from 9:30 AM until the time of the services at 11:00. Memorials may be made to the Blessing Foundation for Hospice. The Duker & Haugh Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

11 Comments

  1. Marvin Winking on October 14, 2023 at 9:55 am

    John, you certainly have my prayers and sympathy! At my wife’s funeral when you told me that Mary wasn’t doing good, I did not realize how serious she was! I can appreciate how you feel right now! My thoughts and prayers are certainly with you!

  2. MARTHA DOOLEY on October 14, 2023 at 12:48 pm

    John, you used to be my old postman at Miller’s! You certainly get to know everyone’s family when your postman is on a route forever, unlike today! I remember your beautiful yellow house and how well it was always taken care of and I’m sure you and Mary Kay took great pride in it. May you hold your family close and celebrate her beautiful life, it sounds like you had a wonderful long time together.

  3. Julie Reiter on October 14, 2023 at 1:34 pm

    John, was saddened to hear of Mary Kay’s death. Thoughts and Prayers are with you and the Family!

  4. Jay Grawe on October 15, 2023 at 9:59 am

    It’s very difficult to lose the one you love, but how happy we are knowing that she is with Jesus! I have always teased that Nan left me for a better man and His name is Jesus!! You and the kids are in my thoughts and prayers.

  5. Ann Moller on October 15, 2023 at 3:15 pm

    John, I am so sorry. Prayers for you and your family

  6. Mike McCaughey on October 15, 2023 at 3:57 pm

    John,
    So sorry for your loss. I just spoke with Mary on the phone a couple of weeks ago. So surprised to hear of her passing.
    Mike McCaughey

  7. Mary courty on October 16, 2023 at 11:27 am

    John,
    You have our deepest sympathy. May our Lord surround you and your family with
    HIS love and peace .
    Clive and Mary

  8. Carolyn Waterkotte on October 17, 2023 at 9:49 pm

    John, I’m deeply sorry to hear about this..you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

  9. June Winking on October 18, 2023 at 7:51 am

    John so sorry for the loss of your wife. May she RIP. Love and prayers to you and your family. Winkings Market.

  10. Dwight and Barb Seeley on October 18, 2023 at 4:03 pm

    John,
    Barb and I offer our deepest sympathy to you and your family over the loss of Mary Kay. You are in our prayers.

  11. Diana Bockenfeld on October 21, 2023 at 8:34 am

    Mary and I were neighbors for years growing up. So sorry to hear about her passing.

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