Barbara Ann McFarland

Barbara Ann McFarland, 83, of Fort Gibson, Oklahoma passed away Tuesday, June 13, 2023. She was born February 13, 1940, the 5th sibling of 8 children born to Charlie and Leona (Martin) Rolland. She grew up in Fort Gibson where she attended public schools and graduated in 1958. Barbara was married to Norman Haskell “Hack” McFarland on October 11, 1958, being Hack’s 21st birthday. They shared more than 32 years of life, marriage and memories. Five children were born to this union. She was a homemaker until her last child went to kindergarten. She began a 28 year career working at Fort Gibson Schools with 2 years in the cafeteria and 26 years in the middle school. She made many friends working at the school, having lots of fun and many stories throughout the years with them. Barbara retired at the age of 65. Her house was the grandkids’ favorite when they were little because they played with all the kids in the neighborhood, got to go through McDonald’s and stay up all night together. Barbara kept busy doing puzzles and keeping her family on their toes never knowing what she might write on their facebook posts and photos. She was also an avid sports fan watching all of her favorite teams on TV. She had lifelong friends who named themselves, “The Old Bags”. They enjoyed activities together at the lake, camping, skiing, playing volleyball, hiking, playing shanghai rummy, making friend potatoes, homemade ice cream, and traveling. She had a very special bond with her beloved dog, Samson, who was another member of the family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Leona Rolland; grandchildren, Ryan McFarland and Shari McConnell; siblings, Mary Stephens, Charlene Ragsdale, Debra Rolland, Charlie Rolland Jr., and Don Rolland. Barbara is survived by her sons, Kevin McFarland of Fort Gibson, Rod McFarland and wife Carol of Muskogee, Chad McFarland and wife Paula of Tahlequah, Marty McFarland and wife Stacy of Fort Gibson; daughter, Mitzi McFarland of Fort Gibson; former exchange student/daughter, Reina Rodriguez and her 2 children; 27 grandchildren, Carrigan Bradley, Haddison Bradley, Mark Bridges, Brady & Megan Cole, Ryan & Lauren LeCrone, Chloe McFarland, Colton & Taylor McFarland, Cristin McFarland, Tyler McFarland, Wade McFarland, Zack McFarland, Matt & Caitlyn Mocha, Niklas & Brandi Mocha, Mike & Chris Mohr, Chris & Erin Ramsey, Michael Scott, Noah Ward & Christian Webb. Deceased Shari McConnell & Ryan McFarland; 22 great-grandchildren, Hunter Bridges, Remi Bridges, Pistol Bridges, Keyton Cole, Grant Malone, Brody Good, Arianna McFarland, Beau McFarland, Braxton McFarland, Lainey Jo McFarland, Presley Jade McFarland, Gavin Miller, Avery Mocha, Christian Mocha, Hadley Mocha, Hannah Mocha, Cheynne Pauls, Trystan Pauls, Cooper Ramsey, Luke Ramsey, Courtney Stone & Casyn Webb; and 1 great-great-grandchild, Tobias Pauls; sisters, Sandra Gilliam and Martha Shipley; brother-in-law, Rowe Dean Ragsdale, all of Fort Gibson; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and many friends who will miss her dearly. The family would like to express a very special “Thank You” to home health nurse, Maye Mullin, Fort Gibson Nursing Home staff, and Thomas Spencer aka “Lanny” who cared for her. Public visitation for Barbara will be 3-8PM, Wednesday, June 14, 2023 at Cornerstone Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6-8PM, Wednesday, June 14 2023 at Cornerstone Funeral Home. Barbara’s life will be celebrated at 10AM, Thursday, June 15, 2023 at Fort Gibson First Baptist Church with Mr. Jerry “Butch” Cook officiating. Interment will follow at Citizens Cemetery with Wade McFarland, Ryan LeCrone, Colton McFarland, Brandon Shipley, Thomas Spencer and Tyler McFarland serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Morgan Gilliam and Greg Sparks.

Barbara Ann McFarland

February 13, 1940 - June 13, 2023