Ella Mae Farnum

Ella Mae (McCrumb) Farnum, 93, of Watrousville, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. She was born in Tuscola, Michigan, on June 24, 1933, to Gerald and Bertha (Wilber) McCrumb.

Ella lived most of her life in Watrousville, where she devoted herself to her family and her home as a homemaker. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose kindness touched everyone who knew her.

Ella was a longtime member of the Watrousville United Methodist Church, where she was very active and a member of the Women of Faith. She was also a member of the church choir and an active member of the Watrousville Mothers Club. Ella was always willing to help wherever she was needed, often working quietly behind the scenes; cooking, cleaning, preparing, and doing whatever needed to be done. She never needed recognition for what she did; helping others was simply who she was.

One of the things Ella was best known for was her kindness and her hugs. She hugged everyone she met, making people feel loved, welcomed, and cared for. A hug from Ella was one of the ways she showed people how much they meant to her.

She loved working in her flower gardens, traveling, and, most of all, spending time with her family. Her home was also a gathering place for many neighborhood children who loved coming to her house. Ella welcomed them with open arms, and her home was often filled with the laughter and energy of kids. She had a way of making every child feel welcome and cared for, and many of those neighborhood children grew up carrying fond memories of time spent at Ella’s house. She also held a special place in her heart for her niece, Lee Ann Stroup, who brought her much joy and shared a special bond with her. She also loved telling the story of her very first days of life. When Ella was born, she was so tiny that the nurse placed her in a shoe box and set her near the fireplace, not knowing if she would survive the night. That little story became a cherished part of her family's memories and a reminder of the remarkable life she went on to live.

Ella's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children, John (Judy) Farnum, Kenneth Farnum, Maryellen Campeau, Dennis (Sandy) McCrumb, Terrie McTaggart, Eric (Shelli) Farnum, Brenda Wachner, and Sandra (James) Richmond; her son-in-law, Max “Chris” Schafsnitz; her sister-in-law, Ann Cryderman; her grandchildren, Shannon (Dennis) Bess, Corrine (Dan) Weiner, Darren (Genelle) Campeau, Heather (Ben) Guile, Rene (Jake) Steig, Kristen (Dan) Cox, Bridget (Larry) Robinson, Stephen Smith (Andrea), David Smith (Robbie), Bobby (Tori) Althouse, Nichole (Britton) Berryhill, Rebecca Brennan, Ashley (Joe) Bean, Elle Farnum (Dayton), Jason Wachner (Hailey), Breonna Wachner (Dade), Nicholas (Brooke) DeWyse, and Courtney (Adam) Fritz; along with her great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, who brought her much joy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John Farnum, on January 7, 1989; her daughter, Veronica Schafsnitz; her grandsons, Kenneth “Baby Kenny” Farnum, Brian Campeau, and Brandon DeWyse; her sons-in-law, Richard Campeau, Tim Carlisle, Randy Wachner, and Ken DeWyse; her siblings, Robert (Marianne) McCrumb, Burton (Lenore) McCrumb, Geraldine Perkins, Joyce (Bob) Klopf, and Gary Cryderman; and her parents, Gerald and Bertha (Wilber) McCrumb.

Ella will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her willingness to help others, her love of family, her beautiful flower gardens, her warm smile, and, most of all, for the hugs she gave so freely. Her love and kindness will live on in the many lives she touched.

Ella’s funeral service will be on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ransford Funeral Home in Caro. Rev. Michele Hile will officiate and the burial will be at Juniata Twp. Cemetery. The family will be present to receive visitors on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home and again on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of her service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to Watrousville United Methodist Church or the wishes of the family.