Clerk of Court retires after decades of service

Her name is printed on marriage licenses across the county, her signature on hundreds of court documents, but this week, she embarks on a new journey — retirement.

Susan Farmer celebrated her last day of work on Thursday as Lincoln County Clerk of Court and Public Administrator.

For 27 years in the court, nine years as clerk, Farmer said she’s ready to pass down her legacy.

With her name on hundreds, if not thousands of court documents, Farmer said her last day was an emotional one for her.

“I feel honored and privileged to be a part of this amazing job,” Farmer said. “I’m leaving with a smile, I really am.”

Being a major part of the district court for almost three decades, Farmer has seen generations come through the courts, turnover of lawyers, clerks and other employees and crime and civil court cases. She bore witness to the start of the lawsuits against the W.R. Grace Mine, and other notable court cases in Libby’s recent history.

Farmer is looking forward to retirement, making plans to visit her daughter in Oklahoma and help her mother move into an assisted living facility in Arizona. She said she’s going to have more time to spend with her four grandkids and her hobbies, which include quilting and taking walks.

Since she left, the office will be rearranging a bit. Tricia Brooks has filled in as interim Clerk of Court and Public Administrator, Jen Brown will move into Brooks’ position, and Kelsi Chambers will move from part time to a full-time position. On Jan. 1, the county will advertise for a new part-time clerk.