Betty Lou McFarland

Betty was born on October 10, 1931, the daughter of Clarence Edward Henson and Jettie Mae (Hughes) Henson. She was one of nine children and enjoyed growing up on the family farm with her siblings, with whom she was very close.

She went on to get a teaching certificate at Southeast Missouri State College where she met Walter “Mac” McFarland in a dance class. They were united in marriage on August 12, 1951, in St. Louis, Missouri.

They had two daughters, Claudia and Lisa. The family enjoyed traveling to visit relatives and state parks. Along the way, they made sure to stop at every antique store as Betty loved antiques.

Betty enjoyed looking her best and picking out outfits for various occasions. She loved quilts and pieced many together that her family enjoys today. She also loved dolls and had many dear friends over the years make a variety of outfits, so her dolls were stylish year-round. She also enjoyed cooking/baking and would delight in sharing a coffee cake or peanut butter fudge with her friends/family.

Betty held a variety of jobs including selling Avon, working retail, and at the University of Missouri Records Management department.

Betty was the first person to tell you about the number of miracles she experienced in her lifetime after developing health issues at a young age. Her faith was a central part of her life, and she loved to share all that God did for her with anyone who would listen. She was a long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church and read her Bible daily. She was a woman with deeply held convictions that led her to care for those around her.

Betty is survived by her daughter Lisa (Robert) Wells; grandchildren: Clary (Travis) Pfeiffer; Erin McNeely; Ashton Wells; Chelsea Wells; great grandchildren: Hughes Pfeiffer; Jettie Pfeiffer; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; husband Walter McFarland; daughter Claudia McNeely; siblings: John D. Henson, Glenda Stevenson; Helen Southernwood; Clarice Weatherbee; Norma Kosta; Clarence Henson; Donald Henson; and Joan Putnam.

Services for Betty will take place on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Memorial Funeral Home with Visitation at 10 am, Funeral Services at 11:30 am with burial to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the American Cancer Society – Kansas City or Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital.