Born on March 22, 1923 to Herbert and Diana (Valley) McFarland in Bakersfield, California. Pat died with family by her side in Carmel, California on November 27, 2018. Pat attended Bakersfield schools graduating from KCUHS Class of 1941 where her mother operated the “Driller Lunch” stand, Bakersfield College and University of Southern California.
Pat had many, many stories to share from her childhood with her brothers, Jack and Harlan, about creating the family business, McFarland Motors. Brother Jack died as a result of a traffic accident on the “grapevine” transporting Willys vehicles to their Bakersfield showroom. Harlan continued the business until his retirement.
Pat could tell many stories about their family pets… Lindy the pony, Tailwind the monkey, Sailor the parrot, Pantywaist the Chow Chow, a cat simply named “the boss”, as well as the un-named pet alligator that lived in their backyard “plunge” built by her brothers.
As a young adult, Pat enjoyed summers on the Kern River at Kernville where she met her future husband, Clifford Mettler. Pat and Clifford were married in 1945 and enjoyed an active life together until Clifford’s death in 2006. Pat and Cliff maintained homes in Bakersfield, Pebble Beach and Wilson, Wyoming, which they occupied alternately according to best weather. In their “spare time” from Clifford’s ranching at Mettler Farms in California, Pat and Cliff travelled the world.
Clifford’s Bakersfield area ranches started with potatoes and cotton which progressed to orchards, vineyards and concluded with his specialty focus on garlic and black eyed peas. Clifford took great pride in his ability to create quality produce – likewise Pat enjoyed creating recipes and menus that featured that bounty.
Pat enjoyed golf, fly fishing, cooking and gardening as well as community service. While traveling the world, she attended cooking seminars with the greatest chefs. Pat was a Braille instructor for several years. Pat continued her elegant life style in her final years residing in “The Residences at Spanish Bay” and finally at the “Cottages of Carmel.”
Pat always celebrated a Saint Patrick’s Day birthday on March 17th. This continued for 95 years with a grand, green birthday celebration. Family discovered in 2015 Pat’s true birthdate as March 22, 1923 – not Saint Patrick’s Day. After 92 years there was no reason to alter the Aunt Patty’s Day birthday celebration. Family folklore believes her mother told her she was born on Saint Patrick’s Day to allow for one big Patty’s Day party.
Pat’s nephew, John McFarland, and his wife, Deni, would like to thank Charles Grandelli and his Comfort Keepers team for Pat’s care at home and Julie and her staff while at the Cottages of Carmel. In addition, we would like to acknowledge Pat’s fire fighters who always held a special place in her heart.
A private graveside service was held December 5th, 2018 … fittingly on our “National Day of Mourning”. Pat will be remembered in life and death as this family’s “Elegant Old Aunt Pat.”
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