Ruth Lucille Farmer, 83 years, of Fort Madison passed away at 7:40 am Saturday October 27, 2012 at the Fort Madison Health Center, Fort Madison, Iowa. She was born October 5, 1929 at Fort Madison, Iowa, a daughter of Elmer Lee Blanchard and Eva Pearl (Warren) Blanchard. On December 15, 1948 she married Arthur Lewis "Pete" Farmer, Jr., at Fort Madison. He preceded her in death.

She was a lifelong resident of Fort Madison. She worked at Shellor Globe in Keokuk as a production/press operator for 31 years, retiring in 1991. She was a member of the Joy Baptist Church, the Pen City Singers, the VFW Auxiliary, and the United Rubber Workers Local 444. She enjoyed doing floral crafts and decorating.

She is survived by one son, David Farmer, of Fort Madison; three daughters: Sharon Kay Farmer, of Keokuk; Vicki Lair, of Fort Madison, and Debra (husband Carlo) Bruno, of Fort Madison; one sister, Eunice Frink, of Fort Madison; 9 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, two sisters: Bertha Buckingham, and Mabel Hamey, one brother, Clifford Blanchard, one son-in-law, and one grandson-in-law.

Friends may call after 1:00 pm Wednesday October 31, 2012 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison where the family will meet with friends from 6:00 - 8:00 Wednesday evening. Funeral Services will be 10:30 am Thursday November 1, 2012 at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Pastor Earl Beal will officiate. Burial will be at Soldiers Circle, Oakland Cemetery, Fort Madison, Iowa. A memorial has been established for the Alzheimer's Association. Contributions may be left at the Barr Memorial Chapel, Fort Madison.