Obituary for John S Farris
Cutler- John Staples Farris, 96, went to be with his Lord and savior on July 10th 2022. John was born in Cutler on July 15th 1925 to George and Lila (Maker) Farris of Cutler.
John was well known for his big hugs, firm handshakes, (the service said a firm handshake and real hug was a sign of respect) so some may have felt like a rib would break or their hand would ache. He was also known for his love of scratch off tickets and was seen frequently at Archibald’s store. John went to Washington Academy and enlisted in the Navy in 1943 during World War 2 and received an honorable discharge. Once out he married his wife Ruthie and they were able to celebrate 75 years of wedded bliss before her passing just over a year ago, which was a major turning point for his health after losing the love of his life. John worked in a factory in Amesbury Massachusetts while starting a family, until returning to Cutler Maine in 1971 where he remained. John became a long time carpenter for 32 years in a business with his great friend and partner Verlan (Hunky) Porter (Farris- Porter Construction), where they built an impressive 103 homes with co-workers/friends Ralph Maker and Joel Eldridge, and son Laurence. John was a Mason member for over 71 years and a longtime member of the Methodist church.
He is survived by his two children, daughter Deborah VanLieu of Birch Harbor, and son, Laurence Farris and wife Lo-Lene of Cutler. Grandchildren Tammy and husband Gary Wood of Machiasport, Michelle and husband Adam of Swanville, Timothy and wife Jessica of East Machias, Jamie and fiancé Larry Abbott of Hancock, Aaron and wife Gabriella of Lehigh Iowa, and Kerriann Farris and boyfriend Tyrus of Edmunds, Great grandchildren Nick, Kayla, Timothy, Kyle, Kasey, Jayce, Teeya, Ashley, Nikota, Merrick, and Waylynn, Great great grandchildren Aubrey, Brantley, Reagan, Grayson, and Zander, as well as many nephews and nieces. He was also blessed with some amazing neighbors that were more like family.
John is predeceased by his wife Ruthie (Ackley) Farris, Son Dennis Farris, granddaughter Ashley Dawn Farris, Sisters, Priscilla (Farris) Look and Isabel (Farris) Cates, Brothers, Gordon and Robert Farris.
A celebration of life will be on July 30th at 11 AM at the Cutler Methodist Church followed by an interment at the new cutler cemetery for both John and Ruthie. Refreshments and a time to share stories will follow at Charlene and Jeremy Cates home beside the Methodist Church in Cutler.
Those who wish to honor John’s memory may make donations to the Cutler Methodist Church c/o Renee Patterson PO Box 364 Cutler, ME 04626
John was well known for his big hugs, firm handshakes, (the service said a firm handshake and real hug was a sign of respect) so some may have felt like a rib would break or their hand would ache. He was also known for his love of scratch off tickets and was seen frequently at Archibald’s store. John went to Washington Academy and enlisted in the Navy in 1943 during World War 2 and received an honorable discharge. Once out he married his wife Ruthie and they were able to celebrate 75 years of wedded bliss before her passing just over a year ago, which was a major turning point for his health after losing the love of his life. John worked in a factory in Amesbury Massachusetts while starting a family, until returning to Cutler Maine in 1971 where he remained. John became a long time carpenter for 32 years in a business with his great friend and partner Verlan (Hunky) Porter (Farris- Porter Construction), where they built an impressive 103 homes with co-workers/friends Ralph Maker and Joel Eldridge, and son Laurence. John was a Mason member for over 71 years and a longtime member of the Methodist church.
He is survived by his two children, daughter Deborah VanLieu of Birch Harbor, and son, Laurence Farris and wife Lo-Lene of Cutler. Grandchildren Tammy and husband Gary Wood of Machiasport, Michelle and husband Adam of Swanville, Timothy and wife Jessica of East Machias, Jamie and fiancé Larry Abbott of Hancock, Aaron and wife Gabriella of Lehigh Iowa, and Kerriann Farris and boyfriend Tyrus of Edmunds, Great grandchildren Nick, Kayla, Timothy, Kyle, Kasey, Jayce, Teeya, Ashley, Nikota, Merrick, and Waylynn, Great great grandchildren Aubrey, Brantley, Reagan, Grayson, and Zander, as well as many nephews and nieces. He was also blessed with some amazing neighbors that were more like family.
John is predeceased by his wife Ruthie (Ackley) Farris, Son Dennis Farris, granddaughter Ashley Dawn Farris, Sisters, Priscilla (Farris) Look and Isabel (Farris) Cates, Brothers, Gordon and Robert Farris.
A celebration of life will be on July 30th at 11 AM at the Cutler Methodist Church followed by an interment at the new cutler cemetery for both John and Ruthie. Refreshments and a time to share stories will follow at Charlene and Jeremy Cates home beside the Methodist Church in Cutler.
Those who wish to honor John’s memory may make donations to the Cutler Methodist Church c/o Renee Patterson PO Box 364 Cutler, ME 04626