In Loving Memory
JANUARY 1, 2025 Shirley Farmer, 86, passed away on January 1, 2026. She was born in Sweetwater, Texas, and spent her life rooted in the land and community she loved, making her home in Roby, Texas.
Shirley was a devoted farmer and rancher whose strength, resilience, and deep connection to the land shaped every season of her life. Her faith was a steady foundation, and she shared her musical gifts by playing piano for her church—a role she cherished and fulfilled with grace.
She was first married to John A. Matthies until his passing, and later to Billy Jeffrey, who also preceded her in death. Shirley was also preceded in death by her son Todd Matthies, and her sister Joyce Howard.
Shirley is lovingly remembered by her son Rodney Matthies and his wife Sondra, along with their sons Daniel and Christian. She is also survived by her grandchildren Heath and Hope, children of her late son Todd Matthies. She leaves behind her brother‑in‑law Jerry Howard, and her niece and nephew, Julie and Randy, children of her late sister Joyce.
She is further survived by her daughter‑in‑law, Fonda, mother of Hope and Heath, and her great‑grandchildren, who brought her joy and pride in her later years.
A memorial service will be planned at a later date.
Shirley’s legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the land she tended, and the music she shared. Her kindness, strength, and unwavering faith will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Revelation 21:4 (KJV) “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”