Melody Ann Farrar

Melody Ann Farrar left her pain and suffering behind Tuesday morning, Jan. 6, 2015. She fought a long and valiant battle.

Melody Ann Farrar was born on June 20, 1956, in Kimball, the third of four daughters to Earl and Charlotte (Petsch) Gilbert. She lived in Kimball until her family moved to McCook in 1965. She graduated from the McCook High School in 1974. Melody was a butterfly swimmer on the local swim team and an amazing pitcher in girls softball.

After high school she attended and graduated from Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Neb., with a degree in registered nursing. On May 28, 1983, in Kearney, Neb., Melody was married to Randy Sweley of Litchfield, Neb. Shortly after the wedding they moved to Melody's family farm south of Kimball. On July 18, 1984 their son Seth was born, two years later on Oct. 1, 1986, their son Ross joined the family. On Sept. 22, 2001, Melody married Harold Farrar in Kimball.

Melody was an avid quilter and crafter. Her precise nature ensured that her quilts were beautiful and flawless. She was known for her crocheted dish cloths, homemade lotions, cleaners, personal products and food items. Homemade Christmas gifts were Melody's speciality and her family and friends were always awed by the creativity shown in her gifts. She loved reading and had piles of books by her chair until she got her Kindle, then she had both close at hand. One of her last cherished goals was attending her youngest son's wedding and being able to dance with both of her sons, a moment of pure joy for her.

Survivors include her husband, Harold Farrar; sons and wives, Seth and Lindsey Sweley and Ross and Samantha Sweley; sisters, Jean Gilbert and her children Logan and Jade Cole, and Suzanne Gilbert.

She was preceded in death by her parents Earl and Charlotte (Petsch) Gilbert; sister, Verna (Gilbert) Kays and her husband Bill; maternal grandparents, Albert and Milady "Millie" (Melichar) Petsch; and paternal grandparents, Frank and Louie Etta "Etta" (Boulier) Gilbert.

Melody will be remembered as kind, generous, smart, brave, determined and frugal. She fought a formidable enemy for the last four years. She will be forever missed by all who knew and loved her.

Friends were able to call at the funeral home on Friday, Jan 9, from 1-5 p.m. to sign the register book and leave condolences for the family.

Memorial services were held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan., 10, at the First English Lutheran Church in Kimball with Sister Anne Hall and Pastor Ed Hunzeker officiating. Cremation has been held and private inurnment will be held at a later date.

Memorials have been established to the Kimball Public Library, 208 S. Walnut, Kimball, NE., 69145, or Kimball Food Pantry, P.O. Box 14, Kimball, NE., 69145.

Friends may visit http://www.cantrellfh.com to view the obituary and leave condolences for the family. The services for Melody have been entrusted to the Cantrell Funeral Home.