On Saturday November 18, 2023, at the beautiful age of 103, the Lord welcomed home His good and faithful servant, Ruby T. McFarland of Owensboro, born in Sorgho, KY on July 29, 1920, to the late Junius Van and Lillian Marie Taylor.
She graduated from Western High School in 1939 and worked for 25 years as a nurse assistant at Owensboro Daviess County Hospital.
She graduated from the KY School of Mortuary Science in 1974 and began a 45-year career as a licensed funeral director and embalmer at McFarland Funeral Home where she partnered in ownership with her husband, the late Rev. R. L. McFarland, Sr. This gave her the distinction of becoming the first African American female licensed mortician in Daviess County KY. She was recently recognized by the Kentucky Association of Morticians for her significant longevity of dedicated service to the association.
Served as first lady at Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Owensboro for 46 years while her husband was pastor. At Mount Calvary, she was a faithful member of the Mother’s Board, Missionary Society, Senior Choir, Sunday School, and Youth Leader.
Her memberships and awards include Ladies KY Colonel, Amaranth Chapter No. 46 Order of the Eastern Star, Kentucky Association of Morticians, Funeral Directors Association of Kentucky, National Funeral Directors Association, and 100 Black Businesswomen’s Award.
Her most important roles were Mom, Grandmother Ruby, Sis. McFarland and trusted friend. She had a passion for the earth as evidenced by her beautiful gardens and flowers.
In addition to her husband, she is preceded in death by her son, Richard L. McFarland, Jr., grandson, Daniel Edward McFarland, great-grandson, Austin James McFarland and longtime family friend, David Carter.
Mrs. McFarland is survived by her children, Freddie Rueben Sr., Dwight Taylor, Nestra Marie, Alison (Betty), Patricia (Mark), Susan (Diane) and Roger Scott Sr., daughter-in-law, Patricia V. McFarland, 17 grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. In addition, she had two “adopted” daughters, Mrs. Pamela Smith-Wright and Ms. Tanya Carter. A special niece, Ms. Sylvia Long.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 am Friday, November 24, 2023, at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church with pastor Rev. Dr. Jeremiah L. Parks as officiant and eulogist. A viewing will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at McFarland Funeral Home. Entombment at Owensboro Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Rev. R. L. McFarland memorial fund managed by Mount Calvary Baptist Church. Envelopes will be made available at the funeral home and at the church.
Care by McFarland Funeral Home, 1001 W 5th St, Owensboro, KY 42301.