Our dear sister Fara died in hospice care at home after 10 years of kidney dialysis. But even with the rigors of dialysis treatment Fara never let her situation slow her down from a life of ministry. Fara was adventure-seeking, generous in spirit, tenacious as a pit bull, and constant in her faith.
Born and raised in Port Townsend, Washington, Fara was blessed with many fun-loving family activities. She played softball, swam on the swim team, participated in school musicals, was active in church and the church youth choir. After graduating from Port Townsend High School, Fara attended Concordia College in Nebraska and graduated from PLU with her bachelor’s degree in education. Throughout her life, Fara tried a few different jobs, but nothing could deter her from her love of singing so she started her own business FISH Ministries/Unity Music. Her passion for Jesus her Savior and her endless creativity found her innovating ways to serve others. She had Blessing Bags for the homeless, Message Muffins sharing scripture, T42 (Tea for Two), and her many concerts and regular singing gigs at local nursing homes, churches, and senior living facilities. Fara encouraged others in the love and word of God. She produced and recorded two music CDs in her continual efforts to share that love with others. A good friend commented after her death that Fara “glowed God.” Fara’s own words in her song “Anna Fara” summarize her life work:
“I could pray all day with friends and family / But then how would these others see / what You’re working in me? / How would others know, that you have blessed us so / If we stay inside and hide? / You want us to do something / You want us to be someone / You want these others to see that Jesus Christ is in me / Thank You for Your power / Thank You for Your might / Thank You for Your wisdom that is mine day and night / You say ask and it will be given / You say seek and ye shall find / You say knock and the door will be opened unto you / So I can give, when others ask / I can help, the seeker to find / And I can make a door open for someone today / Thank You Lord, In Jesus Name I pray.”
Fara is survived by her three sisters, Lisa Tuengel (Brad), Greta Kocol (Ron), and Karla Kloes (Dean). She is also survived by much-loved nephews and nieces: Marcus (Gerri), Martin, and Marie Tuengel; Sarah DeBord (Jeff); Zeke Schwencke (Sarah); Benjamin, Jacob, and Noah Kloes; and all the wonderful children: Claire, Willow, Rowan, Natalie, and Alaina DeBord; Jaxon and Ginny Glines; and Grayson Vangeloff.
Memorial donations are suggested to Spirit 105.3 (CHRISTA Ministries) or to HEROHouseNW, Bellevue, Wash.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 26 at Zion Lutheran Church, 329 Ave. A, Snohomish, Wash.
