Ruth Smails McFarland passed away on December 24, 2016 at the age of 95. She lived a full and meaningful life, the last 66 as a resident of Whittier, CA. Ruth’s mother moved her and her older brother from Omaha, NE to southern California in 1924, where they initially settled in Pasadena. They later moved to east Long Beach where she attended elementary, middle and high school. While at Woodrow Wilson High, she met the love of her life, Lee McFarland, whom she would later marry after his service in the US Navy during WWII. Meanwhile, Ruth attended and graduated with her BA from the University of Montana in Missoula.

Ruth’s major passions in life were her family and being an active part of the Whittier community that she loved. She remained active with her PEO Chapter CU throughout her later life. In addition, she volunteered for and supported the Whittier Historical Society and the Women’s and Children’s Crisis Center. In keeping with her great love for music and learning, she was a major supporter of the Dexter and Edwards Middle Schools music programs and frequently enjoyed attending their concerts. Ruth maintained friendships and her fondness for Montana, and was a substantial donor to the Historical Society in the state.

She was happily devoted to her husband Lee until his death in 1994, and was an engaged and loving mother to her four sons and their wives: John “Mac” and Carolyn, Stu and Laurel, Andrew and Charen, and Bill and Sara. She was also blessed with eleven grandchildren, Lauren, Stuart, Megan, Andy, Kate, Matthew, Benjamin, Elizabeth, Molly William and John; and six great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Ruth McFarland’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at the White Emerson Mortuary in Uptown Whittier. All family and friends are welcome. There will be a reception immediately following at Villalobos Hall at Whittier College.

In lieu of flowers, Ruth’s wish was to have donations in her name made to Women’s and Children’s Crisis Center (“WCCS”), 13203 Hadley St., Suite 103, Whittier 90601, Phone 562/ 945-3937.

Published in Whittier Daily News on Jan. 8, 2017