Roberta K. Farris

Roberta K. Farris, 65 passed away on January 19, 2015. She fought a long batter with cancer never giving in or up to it. Her last days were a testament to her life. She embodied what a servant of Christ would be and embraced God's promises unconditionally. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother.

She was born on Oct. 20, 1949, and lived her early life in Eudora, KS. She married Rev. Dr. Ed Farris in 1968 and served as a pastor's wife and teacher. In 1975 she and her family were appointed as missionaries with the International Mission Board, SBC and served from 1975 till 2003 in Brazil. She was state leader of Baptist Young Women for many years and then went on to teach many years in the seminary in Brasilia. She directed the Masters Program for five years. She taught hundreds of people in seminary both in Brazil and Africa. She earned Master degrees in Education and Pastoral Counseling. During her entire life, by word and action, she exercised a strong and deep faith in God. Not only was her witnessing for Christ hands on, she was also a witness through how she lived her life so that when others observed her they would know there was something different about her. She inspired a serving spirit in those whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Clara Elizabeth (Becky) Hauck Ott and leaves behind her father Floyd Ott of Eudora, her husband Rev. Dr. Ed Farris, her two grown children, Jon Farris of Topeka and Andrea de Oliveira of Brazil, and four grandchildren, Nathan Farris, Anthony of Topeka, KS and Rebeca Oliveira and Thiago Oliveira of Brasilia Brazil, two sisters, Peggy Skaggs, of Colorado and Jane Barthurst, of Virginia and several nieces and nephews.

Roberta enjoyed gardening not only at her house but at others houses as well. When she wasn't working in the garden she could often be found reading books. Her biggest enjoyment came from spending time with her family whenever possible. There wasn't a year that went by without her taking the time to go places with the family. Some of the best times were simply canoeing down Captain's Creek by the farm. She always stressed taking the time to listen to the rain with the grandkids or looking at the stars with them.

A memorial service will be held at First Southern Baptist Church, 19th & Gage, Topeka, KS, Saturday, January 24 at 10:30 AM.

Any contributions in the memory of Roberta Farris may be sent to First Southern Baptist Church above, designated for their mission's program.