William "Bill" Farlee

William “Bill”Farlee, 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Otterbein Senior Life in Lebanon, Ohio. Bill was born on May 25, 1939, in Martel, Ohio, to Carl and Berdine Farlee.

Bill spent his childhood in Toledo and Findlay, Ohio. Early in life, he became aware of his love for music while listening to his mother play the piano. That appreciation deepened during his years at Findlay Junior High School, where he began developing the passion for music that would remain a defining part of his life. His exceptional musical talent led him to become first-chair violinist in the Findlay High School Orchestra, from which he graduated in 1957.

Following high school, Bill attended Bowling Green State University, majoring in Music and minoring in English. During his entire time at Bowling Green, he performed as a violinist in the university orchestra, continuing to develop the musical gifts that would shape the rest of his life. He began his professional career as an English teacher at Woodmore Junior High School. Later, he returned to school, earning a degree in accounting from Terra Technical College and embarking on a second career in school finance. Bill served as treasurer for several Ohio school districts, including Bradner and Sidney, where he was respected for his intelligence and dedication.

Music remained a constant throughout Bill’s life. He performed violin with the Toledo Symphony Orchestra and participated in numerous musical organizations, including Musica Antiqua, a group dedicated to performing music from the pre-Renaissance era. He also generously shared his musical gifts directing numerous church choirs, handbell choirs, and recorder ensembles over the years.

Bill was known by family and friends for his sharp intellect, quick wit, and wonderful sense of humor. His favorite word, “piffle”, became part of family lore. His seven nieces and two nephews remember him fondly not only for his love and encouragement, but also for his frequent and enthusiastic corrections of their grammar. He especially enjoyed sharing stories about the generations of family members who came before them, helping preserve family history and connect younger generations to their roots. Whether discussing music, literature, gardening and family genealogy, Bill always brought curiosity, wisdom, and laughter to the conversation.

For the final fifteen years of his life, Bill made his home at Otterbein SeniorLife in Lebanon, Ohio. He often expressed how much he loved living at Otterbein and cherished the friendships and care he received there. His family is deeply grateful to the many caregivers and staff members who brightened his days and enriched his life with compassion, kindness, and companionship.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Berdine Farlee; his sister and brother-in-law, Lois and Gerald Fletcher; his nephew, Michael Fletcher; and his grandnephews, Jason Lebay and Mathew Gomez and grandniece Kathryn Grace Creed.

He is survived by his sister, Carol Ebersole (Lowell); his nephew, Scott Ebersole; and his nieces, Beth Lane, Jill Wilson, Holly Sullivan, Kerry Veurink, Shelley Fletcher, Debra Creed, and Sara Gomez. He is also survived by many beloved grandnieces, grandnephews, great-grandnieces, and great-grandnephews, along with many relatives and friends who will cherish his memory.

A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at the Otterbein Chapel in Lebanon, Ohio, on November 16 at 10:00. An internment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Findlay Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Otterbein Lebanon in honor of Bill’s deep appreciation for the community that he called home for many years.