Vera May Kierstead Farber

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Vera May Kierstead Farber, age 99, of Greencastle, passed away on Friday, Nov. 23, 2012 at Asbury Towers.

Born March 14, 1913 in Putnam County, Ind., she was the daughter of George E. and Nellie (Hillis) Knauer.

She married Roger Kierstead in 1939, and he preceded her in death. She later married Dr. Robert Farber on June 26, 1998, and he survives.

Mrs. Kierstead Farber taught music in Radnor, Pa., received a bachelor's degree in music education from DePauw University and a master's degree in music education from Villanova University.

She also earned certifications from the Famous Artists School and the Institute of Children's Literature. She was given a Freedom Foundation Award for writing, composing and directing a patriotic children's musical.

Vera was the author of "Jamie's Journey" and two sequels, "An Early American Adventure" and "Jamie Comes of Age." She also co-wrote "Youth to Golden Age" with her husband, Dr. Robert Farber.

She had been active in the Gobin United Methodist Church, the DePauw Festival Chorus, The Mellowettes Trio, and the Council on Aging, RSVP and AARP.

She had served as an art director at a senior center and as a pianist at Asbury Retirement Village.

Vera enjoyed choral and piano music, oil painting, gardening, and writing, and was a 50-year member of PEO. She was also an accomplished pianist and soloist, and recently made a CD of her piano playing.

Survivors include her husband, Dr. Robert Farber; two nephews, David (Marjorie) Smith and Edwin (Pat) Tower, both of Arizona; three nieces, Virginia Tower Wagner of Florida, Peggy (Bill Osgood) Davis of California and Barbara Gercke of California; a stepson, Charles (Jayne) Farber of Columbus; a stepdaughter, Jean (Ron) Braun of Winston-Salem, N.C.; and several great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Roger Kierstead; sisters Louise Knauer, Helen Tower and Elisabeth Smith; and a brother, George Knauer.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1 at Gobin United Methodist Church, Greencastle, with Rev. P.T. Wilson officiating. Inurnment will follow at Brick Chapel Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. on Saturday until the time of service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Gobin United Methodist Church, 307 Simpson Ave., Greencastle, IN 46135.

Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.BittlesandHurt.com.