Marlene Grace Farwell

Marlene Grace Farwell 86 of Quitman, Georgia passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024, at South Georgia Medical Center of Valdosta, Georgia. Marlene was born in Downers Grove, Illinois in 1937 to the late Frank Kalata and Grace (Hodous) Charapata. By the late 1940’s, the family had moved to Oshkosh, Wisconsin and later to Omro, Wisconsin where she graduated from Omro High School in 1954. Her career began at Medalist Industries where they manufactured Kiekhaefer-Mercury outboard boat motors. Upon her retirement she moved to Quitman, Georgia. There she managed Pineview Station where she was remembered for her fried chicken drumstick sandwiches. By 1982 she opened a store in Quitman that specialized in cheese, pizza, and gift baskets then a second location in Thomasville, Georgia. Later she became the manager of the Georgian Restaurant and Motel from 1989 until 1993. There, she was remembered for her legendary Mother’s Day buffet and the Waffle bakery where you could find the big “Fried Green Tomatoes” sign on the storefront window. In 1995, she served as an assistant chef at the Brasstown Resort and Spa in Young Harris, Georgia. By 1996, Marlene moved back to Quitman to become the Chef and Household manager of Riverbend Plantation where she was proud to serve so many famous and influential guests. After retiring from the plantation, she raised cattle on her farm until her death.
Marlene is survived by her sisters, Amber Gerdes (Steve) of Hiawassee, Georgia and Sharon Ruedinger of Winneconne, Wisconsin; nephews and nieces, Scott Thompson (Samantha) of Athens, Georgia, Andi Clark (Steven) of Marietta, Georgia, Nicholas Gerdes (Emily) of Hayesville, North Carolina, Jeffery Ruedinger (Cathy) of Rochester, Minnesota, and Susan Ruedinger of Omro, Wisconsin; along with numerous extended family members.
As per Marlene’s wishes, she is to be cremated and a Celebration of Life ceremony will be held at a later date. Kind words of sympathy may be left for the family by visiting www.musicfuneralservices.com The family is being served by the caring and professional staff of Music Funeral Services of Valdosta.