Lifelong resident of Kennett, Joanne Tatum Farmer Rose, passed away on Friday, Sept. 28, 2007, in Kennett after a short illness. Mrs. Rose was born in Kennett Oct. 4, 1920. Her parents were Esther Walker and Bernie Harris Tatum, both of whom predeceased her.

She graduated from Kennett High School in 1937, and then attended Southeast Missouri State Teachers College in Cape Girardeau, Mo. She returned to Kennett and worked for John M. Dalton in his law practice before he became Governor of Missouri.

She married James Cullum Farmer in 1941 and accompanied him to several duty stations where he served as a Naval Flight Instructor during World War II. Following the war, they returned to Kennett where Jim Farmer operated shoe and clothing stores on the square for many years. They had four children and the family became her life's calling. Jim Farmer preceded her in death in 1976. Following his death, she worked for the Visiting Nurse Association in the dental health program in Kennett for a number of years.

Mrs. Rose was a lifelong active member of the First Christian church (Disciples of Christ) of Kennett, and worked in the children's department of the church as a volunteer for many years. She was very active in the church in many other areas as well. Her grandfather, James Frank Tatum, was one of the founders of the church.

She was a charter member of Chapter HU, P.E.O. and was active in the schools and many other civic and social organizations in Kennett during her lifetime.

In 1985, she married Joseph Vance rose who was originally from Hornersville, Mo. Mr. Rose was in the gas business in Hopkinsville, Ky for many years, but returned to Kennett when they were married. Mrs. Rose was predeceased by one sister, Mrs. Frances Caruthers Brinner, of St. Louis, Mo.

She is survived by her husband, Joseph V. Rose, of Kennett; one sister, Mrs. Peggy Greer, of Sikeston, Mo.; one brother, James W. Tatum, of Polar Bluff, Mo.; three sons, Jim Farmer, of Comanche, Texas, Joseph Farmer, of Vashon, Wash., and Vance Rose, of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; three daughters, Susan J. Martens, of Dallas, Texas, Kathy Ann Solter, of Fort Worth, Texas and Susan Owens, of Cape Girardeau.; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

The funeral was conducted at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Kennett on Monday, Oct. 1, 2007, followed by the burial in the Memorial Gardens in Kennett.

Pallbearers were Phillip Britt, Rick Carver, Tom Kelly, John Fisher, Sam Fisher and John Moyer.

Honorary pallbearers were Verne Johnson, Harold Treasure, Everett Farmer, Doyne Gatewood, Phil Oldson, Janet Carter, Linda Kelley and Anne Moyer.

Funeral arrangements were through Bradshaw Funeral Home of Kennett.

Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church of Kennett, Mo., 105 N. Washington, Kennett, Mo. 63857.