Della Dolores Terry (Farr), age 91, was born July 30th, 1933 in Clyde, MO., the daughter of Charles Farr and Mazzie Farr (Sybert). Della was the eldest of their 11 children.
Della passed away peacefully August 6th, 2024, while living in the Pleasant Valley Manor Care Center, where her husband Nathan of nearly 70 years had also resided. For many many years, Della was cared for dearly in her Home, by her three children; daughters Diana Dolores Odehnal and Linda Joy Burlison, and son Daniel Eugene Terry.
In 1951, Della graduated (Valedictorian) from Conception High School in Clyde, MO., where the family lived for many years. During this time, she learned how to raise a family – helping her mother with a large family and ornery brothers. She gained her values for Family during these years and never forgot them.
After high school, Della went to work at various jobs in Kansas City – her first job was at the Kansas City Stock Exchange. She stayed with family while working there, but rushed home on weekends as she missed her Family so much! In 1954, Della met Nathan at the Kansas City Baptist Temple, while Nathan was on leave from the U.S. Army. They married In Stewartsville on July 24, 1954. She moved to El Paso, Texas until Nathan was discharged and soon moved to Omaha in 1955, where Nathan attended Grace Bible Institute, and started a family. After he graduated in 1960, the family moved back to the Kansas City area, where we’ve all lived since.
Della was a devout and life-long Christian, and deeply devoted to studying and understanding The Scriptures. After “us kids” were out of the house, she went to college, and earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Classical & Ancient History. Della was a life-long learner, and one of her last wishes was “to be able to go back to school”.
Della was eventually led to join and teach within the Christian Women’s Club [Stonecroft Ministries] for over 20 years, as well as share the teachings of Christ with all that wanted to listen and learn. She was also involved in child evangelism. But undoubtedly her greatest testimony was how she lived her life; a life of sharing, caring, loving unconditionally, sacrificing,……..always available to help others grieve, or to rejoice, or to encourage, or to reconcile, or to just listen,……..as the consummate counselor and confidante. Did we mention her wisdom……. And, only God knows the countless lives that she has touched.
Della also had her passion with the piano; learning, playing, and eventually teaching…….and played the piano for the youth services. And so, The Home was always filled with music, good food, and family time, …..a Home that was filled with love, understanding, and fun – which was perpetuated throughout her Children’s lives, and her Grandchildren’s lives as well! Della was always positive, the warmth and sunshine of any setting, and with all her friends and family alike.
Della was only recently preceded in death by her husband Nathan of nearly 70 years. Of her 10 siblings – Elbert Farr, Thomas Farr, and Charles Farr have preceded her in death, while she leaves behind brothers Ronnie Farr, Jim Farr, Robert Farr, Billy Rex Farr, and Dave Farr……and her sisters Juanita Hovenga (Farr) and Mary Kay Shoemaker (Farr).
She leaves behind her three children; Daniel Terry (Rheta), Linda Joy Burlison, and Diana Odehnal, and 4 grandchildren; Amanda Bauman (Brad), Christopher Odehnal (Payton), Emily Floyd (Tim), Jackson Burlison (Sarah), and 8 great grandchildren. She was Aunt and Great Aunt to 125 nieces and nephews.
Let us lift our broken hearts to Rejoice her Life.
