Vivian Marie Farrington, 88, of Kissimmee, Florida, formally of Richwood, Ohio, passed away on September 11, 2020.
She was born July 23, 1932, in Rushsylvania, Ohio, to Bonnie and Rev. C. L. Harris.
From the time she was a little girl she wanted a horse of her own. Her husband, Bob Farrington, purchased a horse by the name of Rambling Willie. Since it was close to her birthday he gave the horse to her as a present.
Farrington’s other passion was her faith in Jesus Christ and sharing it with others. Little did she know that her vision for spreading God’s word would come through her horse, Rambling Willie.
Rambling Willie had many racing injuries and illnesses that would have ended the career of many horses, but Mrs. Farrington’s prayers and faith helped to turn Rambling Willie into a Hall of Fame champion. A book was written about him called 'Rambling Willie, The Horse That God Loved.'
This enabled Rambling Willie and Mrs. Farrington to travel nationwide spreading the word of God and how she felt Rambling Willie’s success was because she tithed 10 per cent of his winnings and always trusted in the Lord to help heal him.
Farrington loved her family and was proud of each and every one of them. She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Joe) Ewing; grandchildren, Gail (Jack) Curran and Justin Curran; great-grandchildren, Emma (Nik) Kosanovic and Jackson Curran; brother, Joe (Joann) Harris; sisters-in-law, Pat, Dorothy, Pat Stanford, Jean and Marilyn (Tom) Pugh; and many nieces and nephews that she was very close to. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Bob, who died October 13, 2014; her parents; sister, Jewell Inez Ray; and brothers, Bill Harris and Chuckle Harris.
Burial will take place at York Center cemetery with graveside services at 11 a.m. on October 10, 2020.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christian Harness Horsemen’s Association, Rambling Willie Scholarship, 157 North Main St., Salem, NH 03079.
Condolences may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com.
Please join Standardbred Canada in offering condolences to the family and friends of Vivian Farrington.
(USTA)