Ruth Mcfarland

Ruth McFarland, also fondly known as Aunt Diddie by her nieces Linda and Wilma was born Sept. 26, 1919, the oldest of three children blessing the marriage of her parents Bay Theron McFarland Sr. and Blanche Wilhemina Lizette Wiggers McFarland who were early pioneer settlers of western Bell County called the Palo Alto Community. She had two younger brothers, Archie and Bay Jr. and she was able to attend the dedication of KISDs Palo Alto Middle School along with her brother Bay on Aug. 13, 1995, representing the Palo Alto community where she grew up which was subsequently swallowed up by Fort Hood in the 1940s.

After many years a member of the Methodist Church, Ruth decided to join Immanuel Lutheran Church here in Killeen on July 31, 2005 where her brother Bay had been a member since 1949. Ruth was very active here at Immanuel as long as her health allowed. On Feb 2, 2010 Ruth suffered a stroke at home and went to Scott White Hospital where she received hospice care. While in the hospital, Ruth was visited by numerous friends, members of Immanuel and her family, nieces Linda Wilma, and she even received Holy Communion at the hospital on Feb 9th. Ruth died peacefully in her sleep early Saturday morning, February 13, 2010 at the age of 90 yrs, 4 months, and 18 days.

Ruths full life involved her family and nursing profession. After graduating from Killeen High School in 1936, she attended Kings Daughters Hospital School of Nursing that began a wonderful career that included post graduate nursing degrees from the University of Texas. During WWII and the Korean War, she used her nursing skills to care for and help others.

She first joined the Navy and soon after transferred to the Army as a nurse. After leaving active duty, Ruth remained in the Army Reserves until she retired as a Lt. Colonel in the 1980s. During the war, Ruth served overseas in The Philippines and later in Korea.

Ruths love for the nursing profession found expression in her gifts for teaching. She was the Nursing Program Director at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls and started the Central Texas College Nursing Program in Killeen. She also served as the Educational Secretary for the Texas State Board of Nursing Examiners in Austin and developed the Associates Degree in Nursing for the University of Texas. Throughout her career, Ruth continued to network with other nurses as an active member of the Texas League for Nursing.

Over the years, the Comanche Hills Social Club benefited from her friendship and willingness to help others. The Morning Glories Writing Group here at Immanuel Lutheran Church was a favorite place to share her stories and wonderful sense of humor. She cherished the homemaking skills she learned from her mother and aunts by becoming an accomplished cook, quilter, and needlepoint expert. She enjoyed the friendship and support of terrific neighbors along Hannahawk Circle in Harker Heights for many years, especially from Freddie Maxine Lettman, and appreciated so much the care she received for her hair from Maria Garcia.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, her younger brothers Archie P. McFarland of Elgin and Bay McFarland, Jr. of Harker Heights.

Ruth is survived by her two nieces, both are daughters of her brother Archie: Wilma Murphy and her husband Dennis of Durango, Colorado, and Linda Perkins and her husband Ronny of Elgin, Texas. She is also survived by her greatnephew Sam Murphy and his wife Melody and their son Keiran of Durango, Colorado, and her greatniece Molly Fink and her husband Larry and their children Lexi Lawson of Rosenberg, Texas, and numerous cousins.

Interment will be at Killeen City Cemetery in the McFarland family plot. The family has requested that memorial contributions may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1104 N. 4th Street, Killeen, TX 76541.

Visitation

HarperTalasek Chapel
506 N. 38th Street
Killeen, TX  76543
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
57 P.M.

Service

Memorial Service

Immanuel Lutheran Church
1104 N 4th St
Killeen, TX  76541
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
2:00 P.M.

Cemetery

Killeen City CemeteryHa
2800 E. Rancier Ave
Killeen, TX  76543

Memorial Contributions

1104 N 4th St
Killeen, TX  76541