Elsia Farnsworth

Elsia L. Farnsworth, 97, longtime and first special education teacher in the Odessa R-7 Schools, died January 31, 2011, at her home in Odessa. She was born August 17, 1913, the daughter of Herbert Harvey and Julia Pfost Baker. She was raised in the Lucas Community south of Urich and graduated from Urich High School. She received a scholarship to attend Central Missouri State Teachers College, Warrensburg. She was married May 28, 1939, to Walter Kenneth Farnsworth in Holden. He preceded her in death April 4, 1993. She was a member of the First Christian Church, Odessa. She taught in one-room schools in Montrose, White Oak, Lucas and Star School near Blairstown. She began teaching special education in Odessa in 1958. She mentored many special education teachers and was a strong advocate for special needs children. She retired at age 70 after nearly 30 years in the Odessa R-7 School District. Survivors include a daughter, Julia Youngs, Clovis, CA; three sons and daughters-in-law, Loren and Belva Farnsworth, Warrensburg, Herbert and Lana Farnsworth, Shawnee, KS., Stephen and Marilou Farnsworth, Odessa; seven grandchildren and spouses, Rusty Dean Farnsworth, Belton, Crystal and Thad Moody, Mark and Trisha Farnsworth, Springfield, Joe Youngs, Dawn Aguirre, Clovis, CA, Monica and Jay Siebenmorgen, Brooklyn, N.Y. Vanessa Farnsworth, Kansas City; and seven great-grandchildren, Eli and Clara Moody, Nicolas and Matthew Aguirre, Jackson, Anna and Ella Farnsworth. Services will be held Saturday, February 12th, 11am at the First Christian Church, Odessa; cremation. Visitation will be at 10am prior to the service at the church. Family suggests memorials to the church or Odessa R-7 Foundation- Special Education