Vivian Marie Farrington, 88, of Kissimmee, Fla., formerly of Richwood, passed away Friday, Sept. 11, 2020.
She was born on July 23, 1932 in Rushsylvania, to Bonnie and Rev. C.L. Harris. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Bob Farrington, who passed away Oct. 13, 2014, her parents, her sister Jewell Inez Ray, two brothers, Bill and Chuckie Harris.
From the time Vivian was a little girl she wanted a horse of her own. Her husband 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. Vivian’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. Willie had many racing injuries and illnesses that would end the career of many horses, but Vivian’s prayers and faith helped to turn Rambling Willie into a Hall of Fame Champion. A book was written about Willie called “Rambling Willie, The Horse That God Loved”. This enabled Rambling Willie and Vivian to travel nationwide spreading the word of God and how she felt his success was because she tithed 10 percent of his winnings and always trusted in the Lord to help heal him.
Vivian loved her family and was proud of each and every one of them. She is survived by her daughter, Karen (Joe) Ewing of Kissimmee, Fla.; grandchildren, Gail and Jack Curran, Joliet, Ill; and Justin Curran of Delaware; great grandchildren, Emma and Nik Kosanovic and Jackson Curran; brother Joe (Joann) Harris, Warsaw, Ind.; Sisters-in-law, Pat Farrington, Richwood; Dorothy Farrington, Longwood, Fla.; Pat Stanford, Bellefontaine; Jean Farrington, West Mansfield; Marilyn (Tom) Pugh, West Mansfield; and many nieces and nephews that she was very close to.
Burial will take place at York Cemetery with graveside services at 11 a.m. Oct. 10, with Pastor Joseph Rhea officiating.
Memorial gifts can be made to Christian Harness Horse Association c/o Rambling Willie Scholarship, 157 North Main St., Salem, NH, 03079.
Condolences and remembrances may be expressed at www.stofcheck-ballinger.com.