CHARLESTOWN, N.H. – Shirley Farnsworth Rumrill passed away peacefully at home in Charlestown, N.H., on Nov. 1, 2025. She was surrounded by (in body and spirit), her family.
She is survived by her husband Phillip Rumrill Sr., son Phillip Jr. and daughter-in-law Amy Rumrill, daughter Leanne Finnell, daughter Carina Rumrill, her beloved 14 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, brother and sister-in-law Roger and Elaine Farnsworth, brother Rick Farnsworth and sister-in-law Candy Durkee, and sisters-in-law Cheryl Martin and Irene Rice. She leaves behind many dear friends, extended family members, and neighbors – especially Scott Clark, whose kindness and devotion toward Shirley knew no bounds. She is predeceased by her mother Lyle Parker Farnswoth, father Robert Farnsworth, sister Myra Frances Farnsworth, and brother Robert “Bobby” Farnsworth.
Shirley was born in Saint Johnsbury, Vt., on Sept. 1, 1945, and raised in Westminster, Vt. She graduated from Bellows Falls Union High School in 1963, and Sheldon Beauty Academy in Burlington, Vt., in 1964. Shirley and her husband Phil served as house parents at Kurn Hattin Homes in Westminster, Vt., for five years. After finishing her 25-year career as a hair stylist, she worked in nursing and home health until retirement.
Shirley approached everything in life with a creative touch and multiple talents. She loved painting, sewing, quilting, and crocheting. She adored flowers, and was extremely proud of her bountiful gardens. She will be remembered for her resilience, fairness, independence, kind heart, and incomparable beauty.
The family will organize a Celebration of Life in the spring, to enable long-distance family the time to plan to be present.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Sullivan County Transportation, www.keepnhmoving.com/provider/sullivan-county-transportation, who arranged countless rides for her dialysis treatment due to the kindness of volunteers. We also request that if you do feel moved to offer flowers, to please offer them to your own mother, wife, girlfriend, neighbor, or friend who might appreciate them, in memory of dear Shirley.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Fenton and Hennessey Funeral Home, 55 Westminster Street in Bellows Falls, Vt.