Dorothy A. "Dot" Mcfarren

Dorothy A. “Dot” McFarren, age 90, of Ligonier went to be with her beloved husband of 59 years, on Friday, April 1, 2022. She was born on February 20, 1932, the daughter of Russell and Helen (Ponko) Baker. On August 4, 1951, she married Max L. McFarren in the Parsonage of Sparta Church in Kimmell, IN; he preceded her in death on February 21, 2010.

Dot is survived by three children, Deena (Greg) Rupert of Albion, Michele (Tom) Ritchie of Ligonier, and Lance (Betts) McFarren of Ligonier; ten grandchildren, Jamie Rupert and  Kendal Rupert, both of Albion, Tommy (Dawn) Ritchie of Ligonier, Kelly (Aaron) Cole of Middlebury, Tracy (Chris) Mullins of Kendallville, Abby (Andy) Reed of Goshen, Brooke Stauffer of Syracuse, Mallory (Andrew) Berkey of Shipshewana, Morgan (Trenton) Stout of Shipshewana, and Riley (fiancee’ Mariah Ramsey) McFarren of Salt Lake City, UT; two step-grandchildren, Brad (Kim) Rupert of North Liberty, and Deana (Joe) Sutherland of South Bend; twenty great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dot was preceded in death by her husband, Max McFarren; an infant daughter, Stephanie McFarren; her parents; a sister, Denise (Lowell) Galloway; and a brother, Donald “Whitey” Gillespie.

Dot worked at Monsanto in Ligonier for many years and then for Starcraft in Goshen, Tower Ribbon in Topeka, and retired from West Noble High School where she worked in the cafeteria. Dot loved horses, birdwatching, reading, and was an avid sports fan. She was a fixture and constant supporter of West Noble Sports. Always in the bleachers, and always cheering them on. Dot attended Stones Hill Community Church and never knew a stranger. Dot, often described as a  “bubbly firecracker” lived life just as it should be. She was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.

A funeral service will be held in Dot’s honor at 11 am on Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at Stones Hill Community Church, 151 W Stones Hill Rd, Ligonier, IN 46767. Pastor Joey Nelson will officiate. Burial will follow at Sparta Cemetery in Kimmell, IN. Pallbearers are  Lance McFarren, Tommy Ritchie, Riley McFarren, Andrew Ritchie, Griffin Mullins, and Camden Cole. Honorary pallbearers, Caleb Gilbert, Max Rupert, Trayton Cole, and Grayden Mullins.

Family and friends will be received on Monday, April 11, 2022 from 3-8 pm at Stones Hill Community Church and also one hour prior to the service on Tuesday.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society.

Yeager Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.yeagerfuneralhome.com .