GLORIA FARREN

Salem – Gloria Deloris Ellen Korby Farren, 88, wife of Ronald Dean Farren, passed away Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Keowee Place.

 

Gloria grew up deep in the forest of Minnesota, the daughter of the late Ellen Amanda Manisto and Alfred A. Korby, who immigrated here from Finland and ran a sawmill.  Gloria came from a musical family.  She learned to play guitar at an early age and she learned to yodel while wandering through the woods.   Shortly after graduating from Central High School in Duluth in 1951, she went to work as a secretary.  She shortly joined a Country-Western band, The StringBusters, playing guitar and singing with a yodel.  The band appeared on the local radio show three times a week.  Between 1954 to 1957, they appeared on the local TV station for three years doing the first live broadcast for the station.  The band was quite popular and would always be the opening act when the Grand Ole Opry stars came to town performing with many of the old favorites such as Johnny Cash, Hank Snow, Little Jimmy Dickens, Marty Robbins, Faron Young, Carter family, Tex Ritter, Roy Acuff, and many others.

 

Between doing TV and radio shows, she acquired an interest in raising and breeding Quarter Horses, traveling the Mid-West showing off her riding skills.  Acquiring additional education, she went to work for the Federal Government as an accountant.

 

In 1969 her singing career over, she met and married Ronald Farren. They recently celebrated their 51st anniversary together.

 

Retiring from the Postal Service in 1990, they moved to Keowee Key in Salem, SC.  Golfing and gardening became her favorite pastimes.  She continued exercising her talents by periodically performing at the Country Club for special events.

 

Gloria is survived by her loving husband of 51 years and 3 step-sons.

 

In addition to her parents, Gloria is preceded in death by her siblings, Daisy, Leroy, Norman, and Doris.

 

Per Gloria’s wishes, no formal service will be held.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Gloria’s memory may be made to Hospice & Palliative Care – Palmetto Region, 1057 Red Ventures Dr., Ft. Mill, SC 29707.  A message of condolence may be written to the family by visiting www.sandiferfuneralhome.com.

 

 

 

SANDIFER FUNERAL HOME IS ASSISTING THE FARREN FAMILY