DANVILLE – Peggy Ann Farmer died without warning on Dec. 31, 2021. She was born April 19, 1931, in Somerset, Pa., to Harry and Ethel (Pugh) Bell. Peggy started school in a country one-room schoolhouse. During the Depression, she moved with her family to Akron and then on to Greer. She graduated from Danville High School. In the late '40s Peggy worked as an operator for the Mount Vernon Telephone Company, followed by a job with Gunman Flexible Bus Company in Loudonville. She was a stay-at-home mom while her children were young. Then, in the '60s, she worked for First Federal Savings and Loan, where she was employed when the new bank building was built on South Main Street. In the '70s, Peggy went to work for the Mount Vernon Income Tax Department, where she was eventually promoted to administrator, a position she held until her retirement.
On Sept. 8, 1951, Peggy married Ernie Farmer, to whom she would remain married until his death in 2015. She began a truly happy life at his side, eventually serving as the first lady of Mount Vernon while Ernie served as Mayor from 1988 to 1996. They shared many special activities, attended numerous municipal conferences and formed many lasting friendships during these professional years. They were very active socially and also traveled and cruised frequently with friends.
Peggy truly fit the definition of “doting grandmother.” Her three grandsons loved to spend time with her while growing up. She always had special treats around, spoiled them rotten and faithfully followed the growing boys in their sports careers. In 2013, the first of three great-grandchildren arrived via a home birth at Peggy's house (all three grandchildren were born in her home). From that time on, Peggy (Tutu) spent practically every afternoon and evening with her family. She rocked the babies when little and read to the children often. She would arrive every day and grab a broom to sweep the floor. She loved to wash a smudged up sliding door (very often) and she washed legendary piles of dishes! She contributed so much to everyday existence. She will be hugely missed.
Peggy was famous for her treats, particularly her hot corn dip and peanut brittle, as well as her annual Christmas Eve appetizer party, which she hosted again the week before her death. She was always ready to go and spent many hours traveling with family to favorite restaurants and Happy Hours. Peggy was an avid golfer into her retirement. She loved playing mah-jongg with her girlfriends, and her winning streaks at card games were legendary. She especially loved playing three cylinder and euchre.
Peggy is survived by her son, Michael (Jennifer) Farmer; her grandsons Hans Farmer and Max Farmer; daughter-in-law Beth Hook; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Lily, Addie and little Ernie Farmer, Peggy was pre-deceased by her beloved husband, Ernie Farmer; daughter Michele Farmer; her first grandson Russell Farmer; as well as her brothers Jim Bell and Leonard Bell, and also her parents.
A Celebration of Life Open House will take place at Happy Street Bru-Werks on Sunday January 16 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Please join us to celebrate the life of this very special lady.
The Snyder Funeral Home – Lasater Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.
Please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com to express a condolence to the Farmer family.
