Leora McFarland, age 89, formerly of North Platte, Nebraska passed away surrounded by her family on January 20, 2021, in Omaha, Nebraska.
Leora was born April 7, 1931, to John and Carrie Johnson in Perkins County, NE. When she was 18 months old, her mother died so she was raised by her sisters, especially Marie and her husband, Don Hazelrigg. By the age of 5 the family moved to North Platte, NE where Leora attended North Platte Public Schools, graduating with the Class of 1949.
On September 19, 1948, Leora married Donald McFarland at the First Christian Church and they made North Platte their home. When their children were younger, Leora was a Cub Scout Pack Leader, Den Mother, Blue Bird Leader and Girl Scout Leader. Leora had been a member of the First Christian Church for over 64 years and was active as an elder, diaconate, choir member and past president of C.W.F. She also enjoyed doing crafts for the church. Leora was a life member of the PTA and past member of the Good Sam's Club, Winnebago Club, and Madison Parents Association. She was also a member, past Matron, past President and Past President of the Past Matrons of Signet Chapter #55 Order of Eastern Star.
Leora enjoyed her family and liked to go R-Ving in the motor home and babysit for numerous children. After 58 years of marriage, Don passed away in 2006.
Leora is survived by her children and their families: Son, Donald, Jr. (Patricia) McFarland, of Burleson, TX, and their daughters, Carissa (Jeff) Brunson and children Brady, Brooke and Bailey, and Michelle (John Paul) Owen and children Brendan, Nevan and Arianna. Daughter, Christy (Jim) Relph, of McCook, NE and their daughter, Heidi Relph and children Nevaeh and Ima-Jen, and sons, Joshua Relph (significant other Mara) and children Summer and Oliver and Jason Relph (Stacey MacDonald), Son, Randal (Kathy) McFarland, of Ashland, NE and their daughter, Brooke Dahlkoetter; Son-in-law, Terry (Chris) Peterson, of McCook, NE and children Timothy Peterson, Kellie (Eric) Mahanes and children Lucas and Clayton; grandchildren, Brian Joyce and Yvonne (Thomas) Pringle and children Kaitlin, Blane and Carter. Survivors also include family friend, Raymond Dodds, of Sioux City, IA; and many other family and friends.
Along with her husband, Don, Sr., Leora was preceded in death by their son, Michael McFarland, and daughters, Carol Joyce and Donna Peterson; her parents, John and Carrie Johnson; sisters and brothers-in-law, Marie and Don Hazelrigg, Mildred and John Lloyd, Margaret and Leroy Collins and Alice and Chester Florom; and her brothers, Paul and James Johnson.
Graveside service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 26, 2021, in Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Nebraska with Lew Champ officiating. For those unable to attend, services will be recorded and posted to odeanchapel.com.
Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore in North Platte, NE, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the family for later designation. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.