Michele Farmer

Michele Arlene (DeSimone) Farmer, 82, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on August 7th, 2025. Her three children spent her last day, two by her bedside and one from a distance, playing her music and sharing memories. 

Michele was born May 25th, 1943 in San Francisco, California, the daughter of Carl and Genevieve (Jemar) DeSimone. 

On December 28, 1968 she married Ralph Bernard Farmer, in Kankakee, Illinois. Michele and Ralph had been married for 55 years when he preceded her in death on April 12, 2024.

Michele was a lifelong artist and animal lover, who spent her time painting nature scenes, animals, and portraits, and volunteering at the Humane Society. With a group of like minded animal lovers, she eventually started A Voice for Animals - a non-profit focused on helping animals within the Bowling Green, KY area.

Michele's children have fond memories of her cooking and baking. Many memories center around the food she made including homemade noodles strung around the kitchen drying on lines, her famous Italian cuisine, cinnamon rolls, French bread, Christmas cookies, and fruit cake. Every pot of homemade soup was accompanied by a loaf or two of fresh baked bread. Birthdays were often celebrated with her Aunt Erma’s banana cake recipe.

Finally, Michele will also be remembered for her love of reading and libraries, her quick wit and sarcastic smirk.

Remaining to cherish Michele’s memory are her children, Ken Farmer, Bryan Farmer, and Shawn Tomlin; and grandchildren Zoe Farmer, Ben Farmer, Pierce Farmer, Meredith Farmer, Leah Tomlin, and Devany Tomlin. Additionally, Michele is survived by two sisters and many nieces and nephews. 

Michele and Ralph will be interred together at the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI at a date yet to be determined.