Jeanette Marie Farha Bayouth

is honored with a Medium Paver from Bob, Bryan and John Bayouth, Carolyn Farha Patrick and Hank Farha

Jeanette Marie Farha was born April 27, 1933 in Alva, Oklahoma to Henry and Saada Farha. She had two older brothers, Henry Jr. (Hank) and Jimmie. Jeanette moved with her family to Wichita, KS in 1937. She attended Wichita public schools, graduating from Wichita High School East in 1951. She entered Wichita University on an academic scholarship and in 1955 became only the third woman student of Lebanese heritage to graduate from college. During her college years, she served on the student form board and dined with Eleanor Roosevelt prior to the former first lady's lecture to the student body. Jeanette was a cheerleader and a Wheatie Sweetie. When the WU basketball team went to the NIT at Madison Square Garden in 1954, she found a way for the Women's Pep club to attend the game. The team lost, but everyone had fun touring New York and spending an evening at the 21 Night Club. (This trip sparked Jeanette's desire to travel, which she has maintained to this day.)

Jeanette earned her bachelor's degree in Microbiology with a minor in chemistry. She was one of only five women in her beginning chemistry class of 100 students taught by Dr. Fletcher, and the only woman in her organic chemistry class. While in college she worked for 50 cents an hour washing needles and test tubes at the Wichita Clinic. After graduation from WU, she attended Medical Technology Training at Hermann Hospital Houston, Texas, and graduated as a Medical Technologist (ASCP). During her 49-year career, she worked for labs at St. Joseph Hospital and the American Red Cross Blood Bank, and served for 14 years as the Supervisor in Microbiology at McConnell Air Force Base. She was an active member of the SouthWest Association for Microbiology. She received several professional awards and was nominated in 2002 for Medical Group Civilian of the year. She took an incentive flight on the KC 135 tanker, where she laid by the boom operator as he refueled a plane over Oklahoma. A retirement ceremony was given in her honor by 22nd Medical Group on July 8, 2005.

Jeanette has been married to her husband, Robert E. Bayouth, since September 13, 1959. They have two sons: Bryan, who is married to Sue, and John, who holds a PhD and serves as head of Oncology Physicals at the Iowa School of Medicine in Iowa City, Iowa. John and his wife Michelle are parents of Jeanette's 3 grandchildren, Catherine, Lauren, and Ellis.

Jeanette has always had a lust for life and enjoys the challenge of trying everything. She has collected hats from all over the United States, Greece, Lebanon, Egypt, France, Italy, Spain, and China. Some of the unique thing she has done include hiking up Mount Sinai, where Moses received the 10 commandments; climbing the Great Wall of China; water skiing and snow skiing and riding in a hot air balloon. On her 57th birthday, she swung from a chandelier at Athena Jewelry in downtown Wichita, and on her 69th birthday she was part of Team in Training that walked a half marathon (13.1 miles) and raised over $3,000 for leukemia.

Jeanette is a lifetime member of St. George Cathedral, the WSU Alumni Association, a SASO member for 20 years, and a long-time supporter of the Wichita West Lions Club. She is still volunteering for Exploration Place and The Tree House. She is a gracious hostess and always willing to share her grapeleaves. She gives priority to what is important to her: GOD, FAMILY, COUNTRY, AND A ZEST FOR LIFE. We are happy to honor Jeanette with a paver in WSU Plaza of Heroines.

Bob, Bryan and John Bayouth, Carolyn Farha Patrick and Hank Farha