Mary Lyn Farwell

Memorial services for Mary Lyn Farwell, 91, will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at The Lawrence Bible Chapel, 505 Monterey Way, Lawrence, KS.  Mary passed away on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at her home in Lawrence with loving family nearby.

Mary was born in Kansas City, MO on October 16, 1931, the daughter of William B. Sommerville and Kathryn Marie (Altergott) Sommerville.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her first husband, Frank, her son Guy, and her second husband, Russ.

Mary Lyn studied music at the University of Kansas and married Frank G. Kress in 1951. They had three children and lived in Springfield, MO, Memphis, TN, and New Orleans, LA before returning to Lawrence in 1974.  Frank passed after a long illness in 1976. She then married Russell Farwell in 1982 and they then retired and  began to travel, do mission work and generally spread joy and wisdom around the globe. Mary had a joyous time teaching knitting for many years at the Yarn Barn in Lawrence, and participated in the annual Bizarre Bazaar selling all manner of handmade items, and will be remembered for many, many beautiful things that she made over the years.

Mary is survived by her daughters Deborah Williams, Elizabeth Reeder, Nancy Ramsey and Susan Asberry, 26 Grandchildren, 43 Great-Grandchildren and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren!

Memorial contributions can be made in Mary Lyn’s name to The Lawrence Bible Chapel or to Douglas County Visiting Nurses and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.