Myrna C Farness

Mryna C. Farness, age 94, Clark, the widow of Bert Farness, died this morning, Saturday, June 18, 2005 in the Beverly Healthcare Center at Clark. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2005 at 2PM in the St. Paul Lutheran Church at Clark with the Reverend Roger Semmler officiating. Burial will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery at Clark. Casketbearers will be Mike and Tim Audus, Brad and Dennis Hales and Allen Farness. Music will be provided by Rosella Hanson as organist with congregational singing. Visitation will be held from 5-7 PM on Monday at the Furness Funeral Home at Clark and 2 hours preceding the services at the Church on Tuesday. She was born on October 23, 1910 on a farm north of Garden City, SD, the daughter of Herman and Elizabeth (Schutt) Wilson. She attended and graduated school at Thorp School. On August 3, 1929 she was united in marriage to Bert E. Farness at Hayti. The couple lived near Elrod after their marriage before moving to Oregon. While living in Oregon she worked at the Birds Eye Cannery. After a year in Oregon, they returned to South Dakota living in Aberdeen. She began a career at Montgomery Ward in 1945 and continued employment with that company until 1969. In 1949 they purchased her parents farm in Thorp Township where they lived and farmed. On June 6, 1985 Mr. Farness died. She continued living on the farm for a brief time until moving into an upstairs apartment in the home of her daughter, Darlene. She lived there for 17 years. After her retirement from Montgomery Ward, she worked in Clark for the Fairfield Food Products, Chef-Reddy Foods and later for Midwest Foods until retiring in 1980. She was a longtime member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church at Clark and active in its womens groups. She helped in many ways during many activities including lefse making and quilting. A favorite of hers was spending time at the Clark Senior Center, playing games and participating in many other activities. Myrna loved flowers and being with and around children. Survivors include her daughters, Delores Hales of Aberdeen and Darlene (Ethan) Audus of Clark, 10 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren. She also leaves a sister-in-law, Agnes Sjerven of Aberdeen, 2 step grandchildren and 2 step great grandchildren. Preceding her in death were here parents, husband, a son, Harlan, grandson Curtis, a sister Marie Shape and a great granddaughter, Macie Farness. Friends may sign the guest book at www.furnessfuneralhome.com.