Rita Mae McFarland

Rita Mae (Hasenour) McFarland, 96, passed away on August 5, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. She was born on December 1, 1929, in St. Anthony, Indiana to William and Mary (Hochgesang) Hasenour of St Anthony. Rita was a devout Catholic, attending St Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church in Indianapolis, IN.

Rita was a devoted mother to her seven children: Kathy Hurst, Ken Buechler, Jean O'Mara, Linda Wolfe, Joe Buechler, Sharon Buechler, and Kristi Buechler. Her family continued to grow over the years, and she was the loving grandmother of 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

Above all, Rita will be remembered as an extraordinarily hardworking woman and the sweetest mother a person could have. She devoted her life to her family, and her kindness, strength, generosity, and love were at the center of the home she created for her children.

Rita loved to cook and bake, and feeding her family was one of the many ways she showed her love. She made wonderful cookies, pies, and cakes, and birthdays were always special occasions. Every holiday and birthday was celebrated with large family dinners made by Rita. These gatherings around her table became treasured family traditions, creating memories that her children and grandchildren will carry with them always.

Rita also loved picking berries and was an enthusiastic Indiana University basketball fan. She found happiness in life's simple pleasures and especially in the time she spent with her family.

Rita was preceded in death by her husband, Robert McFarland.

She leaves behind a large and loving family and a lifetime of wonderful memories. Her family will remember the meals around her table, the deserts and ice cream, her remarkable work ethic, her sweetness and kindness, and, most of all, the unconditional love and devotion she gave her family throughout her life.

Rita was laid to rest at Crown Hill Cemetery in Indianapolis, Indiana.