Mavis Farmer

Mavis Lucille Farmer passed away on March 9, 2018. She was born May 18, 1935, to Elvie and Tilla Baker in Gatewood, Missouri. Mavis graduated from Doniphan High School in 1953 in Missouri. On December 10th. of that year, she married Coy Farmer, and they spent their next 62 years together. Mavis and Coy made their first trip to Washington in 1954. They moved there permanently soon after and livedmost of their married life in Zillah: Mavis worked as a substitute mail carrier and sold Avon. Mavis valued her family greatly. She especially loved camping with them, where she would join in on any and all adventures, even motorcycle riding. Bluegrass music was also a constant presence in her family's life. The Farmer family started a bluegrass festival in Zillah, held every August for 7 years. Coy and Mavis traveled extensively and attended festivals every chance they got. Though Mavis didn't play an instrument, she was an integral part of their bluegrass experience, serving as organizer and navigator. She served many cups of coffee and made a lot of sandwiches, making sure everyone felt welcome and care for, a quality she carried into all aspects of her life. Mavis was a great cook. She loved trying new recipes and contributing to and attending senior lunches and church potlucks right up until the end of her life. Mavis was an avid reader, always keeping a book beside her chair. She also kept a daily journal with the details of her family's lives and travels. She would often consult her journals years later to find specific dates. Mavis will be remembered as a smart woman, a great mom and grandma, and a precious aunt, sister and friend. She will be missed by many. Mavis was preceded in death by husband Coy; three newborn sons, Rickey, Danny, and Eddie; son Joe; brothers Ken and Ernest Baker and infant brother Ivan; and her parents Elvie and Tilla Baker. She is survived by her son Jeff (Joni); grandchildren Travis Farmer (Lindsay), Carly Farmer (Marcos), and Blake Pucell (Rachel); great grandchidren Jax and Jayce Farmer, and Mia and Jayce Ramos; brothers Roy (Louise) and Lyn (Cheri) Baker; sisters Alta (Tom) Richardson and Neva (Ron) Weist; and sisters-in-law Tammy Baker, Dorothy Hinchey, numerous nieces and nephews. The Farmer family would like to thank all who have shown love and support. Thay would also like to extend a special thank you to Cindy Long for all of her help. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Mavis Farmer, please visit our flower store.