Joanne Farrer

JOANNE "JODY" FARRER Click here to view JoAnne's Video Tribute IDAHO FALLS, ID -- JoAnne "Jody" Bateman Farrer, 78, of Idaho Falls, passed away peacefully Friday afternoon, April 3, 2009, in the loving embrace of her six children. In her last days Jody showed a tenaciousness and steady resolve that inspired all around her. Jody was born September 19, 1930, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Charles and Amy Bateman of Lincoln. She attended elementary school in Lincoln and graduated from Idaho Falls High School in 1948. Jody was an artistic person who excelled in music and art. As a young woman her singing ability was on display in performances ranging from high school productions to early events at the civic auditorium and live local television in the early 1950's. Jody's greatest passion was art. Her specialties were portraits and cartooning. Jody used her talent extensively, drawing and painting countless portraits. Word of mouth was the only advertising Jody needed to keep busy throughout her life. Many local merchants throughout Eastern Idaho depended on Jody for the signs displayed in their windows during the 60's, 70's and into the 80's. Jody entertained area children in the early 1970's as "The story lady" on local cable TV. Later in life she worked for Wal-Mart and while there they arranged for her to do sketches of customers much to their delight. Jody worked for many years in advertising and sales for local radio and took great pride in her position in the drafting department at INL. Jody loved movies (especially Westerns), bridge, bingo, reading, making funny videos with her son Chuck but most of all her artwork. Jody is survived by her six children: James W. III of Idaho Falls; Chuck of Phoenix, AZ; Thomas (Corie) of Shelley; Edward, Jonathan and Lisa (John) Stephens all of Idaho Falls; and a brother, Charles Bateman of Idaho Falls, 12 Grandchildren and 16 Great Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her ex-husband, James Wayne Farrer, in 2003. They remained close throughout their lives. Jody was also preceded by her parents and seven brothers and sisters. Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2009 at Wood Funeral Home, 273 N. Ridge Avenue in Idaho Falls. The family will visit with friends from 12:30 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at the funeral home prior to services. Jody will be interred at Rose Hill Cemetery next to her oldest sister who passed away 70 years ago. The Farrer family wishes to thank The Gables Assisted Living Center and Creekside Hospice for their extraordinary efforts and the love they showed toward our mom. We were deeply touched. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Jolene Herndon Jody's family, Jody was a wonderful lady. She did portraits of me as a toddler, for my Mom. Then, while Jody and I worked at Wal-mart, she did another one of me as an adult. I treasure her work so dearly. So truly talented, and loved by all. I am so sorry she has passed but grateful to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time. Linda Simonson lesjer@cableone.net Tom, sorry for your loss your mom was such a neat lady. I am sure she will be greatly missed. Terrie Coffey coffeyt@wvsd208.org Duane and I join in your sorrow. I worked with your mom in the 70's at KTEE and Cable 9 TV. She was always a ray of sunshine. God bless you allTerrie and Duane Coffey Stefan and Charrise Bateman Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Kay Merrell & Ernie Lewis To Jody's Family, We were saddened to read about Jody's passing. She was a great lady & I will forever cherish the drawing she did of my daughter! You are in our thoughts & prayers at this difficult time - Love, Kay & Ernie Mary & Bob Gehrke lacometa43@msn.com Dear Lisa and John, Tom and Corie and families, Please accept our deepest sympathy upon the passing of your mother and mother-in-law, Jody. We wish we could be with you but are presently out of town. May it help to know we care and will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers as you celebrate Jody's life and grieve. With love and peace, Mary and Bob Gehrke Michelle Davies fourputt@ida.net Lisa and the Farrer family, your mom is a wonderful memory for me. I will always appreciate her sense of humor and patience during our formative years. Your mom doing a caricature drawing was the first time I had seen an artist at work. It was a lifetime memory for me. Michelle Brett Johnson firecaptain@cableone.net To my Farrer friends. I was deeply saddened to here of the passing of your mom. Since we were little kids and all of us running around together, I will always remember here smile. Seemed like she always had one. Best wishes and May God Bless you all.