Lois Laverne McFarland

Laverne and her twin sister, Delverne were born April 18th 1924 on the family farm to Howard and Laura (Clugy) Richardson, joining older brother, Archie. She grew up south of Franktown Colorado and attended Cherry Valley School for both elementary and junior high. Laverne graduated from Douglas County High School in 1940, a month after her 16th birthday.

She attended Colorado A & M, now Colorado State University in Fort Collins. She graduated in 1945 with a major in Home Economics, a minor in Chemistry and earned her teaching certificate. While in college Laverne helped the war effort by working for Remington Armory building bombs.

After college Laverne took her first teaching job alongside her best friend, Velva in Alturas, California, where she stayed for two years.

Laverne met Donald McFarland in 1943, while home from college for the summer. They were married on May 2nd, 1948 in Reno Nevada. They soon settled in Douglas County, near both sets of parents. Five children were born to his union, Doug, Greg, Dan, Jim and Laurie. Their house was always full as Don and Laverne opened their home and their hearts to anyone who was in need, including taking in a couple of foster children.

Don and Laverne went forward at church in 1962 and accepted Jesus as their Savior. Forever changing their lives.

Laverne continued to teach home economics and Don owned his own gas station. After they both retired Don and Laverne moved south and bought a ranch near Pottersville, Missouri. While there Laverne made many friends and enjoyed having the grandchildren come and stay, while Don kept busy raising horses, cattle, an even some buffalo.

Don and Laverne returned home to be closer to their family in the fall of 2003, buying a home in Kiowa, where they made their home together until Don’s death in 2011. Laverne remained in her home thanks to the loving care of her daughter, Laurie, until the last few weeks when she moved to Golden to be under the care of her granddaughter, Merrilee.

Laverne passed away peacefully on April 25th, 2022 at the age of 98.

Laverne was preceded in death by her parents, brother Archie, infant twin sister, Delverne and her beloved husband of 63 years, Don.

Laverne is survived by her five children: Doug (Cynthe) of Kiowa, Greg (Becky) of Queen Creek, AZ, Dan (Melanie) of Littleton, Jim (Diane) of Englewood and Laurie (Mike) Clark of Monticello, KY. 18 Grandchildren: Kristin (Rob) Ball, Shane McFarland, Steffanie (Kent) Dunkle, Sarah McFarland, Jamie (Todd) Burgess, Wendi (Jason) Palmer, Michelle McFarland, Merrilee (Matt) Bisque, Tim (Angi) McFarland, Brenda (Dan) Bisque, Donald McFarland, Kali McFarland, Robert (Melissa) McFarland, Ben (Avy) McFarland, Kraig Clark, Joe (Shelly) Clark, Sam (Carrie) Clark, and Tom (Mindy) Clark. 41 Great Grandchildren, 4 Great- Great Grandchildren, Nephew, Paul (Rachel) Richardson, niece Kathie (Fred Johnston), best friend of 90+ years, Velva Bains and a multitude of other friends and acquaintances.

The loss of this world is surely heaven’s gain. We are sad for our loss, but thrilled for her gain. What a marvelous legacy she has left in the lives of those who knew her!