Eleanor Farley, 92, passed away on March 24, 2025, at Redwood Memorial Hospital in Fortuna, CA. She was born on October 27, 1932, at her grandmother’s home in Crescent City, CA.

At just four years old, Eleanor’s family settled in Eureka when her father began his career with Arrow Mill Co.

She attended Franklin Elementary School and graduated from Eureka High School, Class of 1950.

Eleanor’s boldness led her to the love of her life when she asked Robert Farley of Ferndale to a Sadie Hawkins dance. After receiving her engagement ring for graduation, the two were married on March 4, 1951.

Ellie began her working career with Pacific Telephone Co. in Eureka, then moved on to Bank of America in Ferndale. But it was her 38-year tenure at St. Joseph Hospital that truly showcased her compassion and dedication. Even after retiring at age 71, she couldn’t stay away—volunteering with the Hospital Auxiliary for over a decade.

Bob and Ellie enjoyed many activities together: Thursday Night Music at the Ivanhoe (at the “Deserved” table), winter bus trips to Reno, dance club, and high school football games. Go Wildcats!

Yet of all her passions, books were her truest companions. An avid reader and collector, Eleanor found solace and joy in reading. Even as dementia clouded her later years, her love for words never faded—she continued reading aloud to friends at the Sequoia Springs Memory Unit.

Eleanor is survived by her son, Kenneth (Ann) Farley of Ferndale; daughter, Laura (Ben) Liu of Ferndale; and daughter-in-law, Joanne Farley of Ferndale. Grandchildren: Jenifer Farley (Will) Nalty of Geyserville; Jason Farley of Garberville; Jeremy Farley of Ferndale; Haley Farley (Brett) Boynton of Ferndale; Jamie Farley (Brandon) DeMille of Fortuna; Kyle (Ashley) Farley of San Antonio, TX; Ryan (Jessica) Farley of Klamath; Heather Liu (Rex) Rigney of Ferndale; and Carson Liu of Ferndale. Great-grandchildren: Ian Nalty of Geyserville; Kalynn Farley of Eureka; Kevin and Kara Ann Farley of Ferndale; Jordan (Ben) Kortus of Ferndale; Blaine (Bri) Becksted of Willow Creek; Kyler Becksted of San Francisco; Taylin and Caleb Boynton of Ferndale; Taryn (Cody) King of Fortuna; Emma and Landon DeMille of Fortuna; Logan and Karah Farley of San Antonio, TX; Taylor, Kadence, Alayna, and Aleeah Farley of Klamath; and Cade, Hana, and Jack Rigney of Ferndale. Great-great-grandchildren: Cooper, Jackson, Walker, and Scout Kortus of Ferndale; Crew and Canyon King of Fortuna; and Ashton Becksted of Willow Creek.

Eleanor is also survived by her sister, Marjorie McKenny of Willow Creek; sister-in-law, Maureen St. John of Tehachapi, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Ona (Wilcox) Parks; husband, Robert Farley; sons, Gary and Jeffrey Farley; sister, Helen Parks Farley; and brothers- and sisters-in-law: Irwin Farley, Francis Farley, Norman “Sonny” Farley, Helen Nicholson, Margaret “Margie” Jacobsen, and Phyllis Farley.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the exceptional caregivers at Redwood Memorial Hospital and the Sequoia Springs Memory Unit.

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The obituary above was submitted on behalf of Eleanor Farley’s loved ones. The Lost Coast Outpost runs obituaries of Humboldt County residents at no charge. See guidelines here. Email news@lostcoastoutpost.com.