Constance "Connie Farmer

Constance "Connie" Farmer, 88, passed away peacefully on October 2nd, 2026, surrounded by love. Born February 16, 1938, in Alton, Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Olna (Kaufmann) Whyte.

Connie was a strong, fiercely independent woman with a sharp wit and an incredible work ethic. A lifelong laborer, she spent many years working as a Meat Cutter for National Supermarket and later drove a bus for Madison County Transit. 

Connie preferred a quiet life and kept her personal circle very small. She loved the simple things; bowling, playing cards, watching NASCAR, and playing bingo. Some of her best days were spent on the water, fishing at Rend Lake with her husband, Clyde, and taking trips to the Soulard Farmers Market. Above all, her world revolved around the deep bond she shared with her grandchildren, and her faithful pup, Charlie, who brought her endless comfort.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clyde Farmer; her parents; her brothers, David and Paul Whyte; and her sisters, Dorothy and Mary.

Connie’s love lives on through her daughters, Megan Arnett of Shiloh, IL, Dana Rain of Alton, IL, and Stacey Rain of Wood River, IL.

She was the deeply loved “MawMaw” to her grandchildren, Peyton Scott of Shipman, IL, Connor Arnett of Alton, IL, Makinley Arnett of Naperville, IL, and Devin Menem of Wood River, IL. She was also the cherished great-grandmother to Maverick, Hudson, Desmond, Charlotte, and Norah, as well as an eagerly anticipated great-grandchild arriving in January 2027.

A private celebration of Connie’s life will be held by her family at a later date. In honor of her deep love for her dog, Charlie, memorials may be made to a local animal shelter.