Obituary of Irene Mae McFarland

IN LOVING MEMORY OF IRENE M. McFARLAND Irene Mae McFarland, daughter of Elmer and Estella Blanche (Mathes) Mapes, was born August 30, 1922, in Norton, Kansas, and passed away at the Andbe Home in Norton, on January 1, 2013, at the age of 90. She was a lifelong resident of Norton County. Irene attended the District 19 rural school and the Norton Junior and Senior High Schools, graduating with the class of 1942. She worked as a receptionist for Bertha's Beauty Shop and married Leo Wright in 1943, and to this union one daughter, Marilyn, was born. She later worked with her husband, Leo, at a service station. Mr. Wright passed away and Irene later married Arthur Floyd McFarland in 1975. Irene worked at J.M. McDonald's Clothing Store before going to work at Norton-Decatur Electric, now known as Prairieland Electric. She retired on January 30, 1987. Irene was a member of the First Church of God in Norton. Following her retirement, she enjoyed making quilts, vacationing with her husband, spending time with her family and friends, and attending her grandchildren's sporting events. In the summertime she also enjoyed watching Atlanta Braves baseball. Survivors include: three stepdaughters, Carolyn Knapp, Kansas City, Kansas; Roberta Fischer, San Antonio, Texas; Gwendolyn Graham, Los Angeles, California; nine grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; one brother and his wife, Loyal and Creta Mapes, Norton; other relatives and friends. Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her two husbands, Leo and Floyd, and one daughter, Marilyn Schrum, two brothers, Hiram and Eugene, and four sisters, Marie, Mildred, Dorothy, and Ivalee. A memorial has been established to the Norton First Church of God.