Visitation: Thursday, November 13, 2008 5:00 - 7:00 PM Hamilton's Funeral Home Des Moines
Service: Friday, November 14, 2008 9:00 AM Hamilton's Funeral Home
City of Manning Cemetery Manning, Iowa
Arrangements: Hamilton's Funeral Home

Mary Farrell passed away on Monday, November 10, 2008, in the company of her immediate family and surrounded by pictures of those that love her. Mary was born September 26, 1923, in Bernice, Louisiana, to Drew and Eula Johnston. She recently celebrated her 85th birthday in a festive party with her large family, long-time friends and new friends from The Rose of Des Moines.

Mary met her husband, Warren Farrell, while he was stationed in Louisiana during World War II. They married in April 1945 and she relocated to Manning, Iowa, where she witnessed her first snowfall.

Mary loved to cook, tell stories (especially of her years growing up in the south), and create scrapbook albums. Holidays would find her smiling and enjoying her family with the newest grandchild or great-grandchild on her lap. Left to celebrate her life are her children, Judy (Dennie) Dennis, Bruce (Sharon) Farrell and Barry (Barb Laurens-Smith) Farrell; grandchildren, James (JoLynn) Farrell, Jay (Kim) Dennis, Chad (Tracey) Dennis, Rowdy (Angel) Farrell, Kelly (Chauncey) Cox and Kristi (Mike) Ackelson; great-grandchildren, Meredith, Michael, Madeleine, Caitlyn, Sean, Matthew, Carter, Bailey, Keeley, Savannah, Kaden, Ryann, Grady, Piper and Eli; brother, George (Josie) Johnston; and long-time companion, James Smith; as well as numerous members of her extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Warren Farrell; and two grandchildren, Corrie Farrell and Michelle Farrell. Funeral services will be held at 9 a.m. Friday, November 14, 2008, at Hamilton's Funeral Home, 605 Lyon St. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Friday at City of Manning Cemetery in Manning, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Iowa Public Television to honor Mary. www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com