Rosanna Farris

Roseanna Farris, 86, of Rogers passed away unexpectedly Sunday morning, August 9, 2015 at Mercy Medical Center in Rogers from complications following a brain aneurism. Roseanna was born in Storm Lake Iowa, the daughter of the late Alvin and Anna Christiansen of Rogers. She spent most of her childhood in Rogers where Roseanna was the valedictorian of the Rogers High School graduating class of 1946. She is predeceased by her loving husband, Austin Farris. Austin loved to tell the story of how they met in Rogers in 1945 when he owned a lumber yard here. He said he saw her riding her horse, fell in love at first sight telling his friend, "I am going to marry that woman," and then proceeded to spend the next 61 years together. They subsequently moved to Portland, Oregon in 1950, and then returned to Rogers permanently in 1968 where Roseanna managed the business affairs for Austin's business as a home builder and developer. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Joyce Farris Marsilia, her son-in-law, Ron Marsilia, and her loving grandson, Austin Marsilia, who was her pride and joy, all of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, and her sister, Germaine Christiansen, of Rogers. She was also preceded in death by her son, Jimmy Wayne Farris, and her brother, Edward Christiansen. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, August 12, at the Southside Church of Christ located at 919 South Dixieland Road in Rogers. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. at the church followed by the memorial funeral service at 11 a.m. with Minister Jackie Chesnutt presiding. Following the service, all friends and family are invited to attend a luncheon celebrating Roseanna's life. Arrangements are under the direction of Benton County Funeral Home, 304 North 4th Street, Rogers, Arkansas, www.bentoncountyfuneralhome.com. As desired, donations may be made in memoriam to the Rogers Meals on Wheels program.