Marlene Ruth McFarland

1935 - 2026

Marlene Ruth Irwin McFarland walked into the arms of her loving Savior on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, at the age of 90. On the same day, 36 years ago, her beloved husband, John Benjamin McFarland (Ben), passed.
Born Oct. 30, 1935, in New Castle, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Smith Irwin and the late Ruth Millicent Gibson Irwin.
In addition to her parents and husband, Marlene was preceded in death by her sisters, Eleanor Irwin Bonner and Marjorie Irwin Herr.
Surviving are her three daughters, Michelle McFarland Soltis (Brian), Susan McFarland Bechtol (Bradley) and Nancy McFarland McCaskey (Theodore); her 11 grandchildren, Matthew Bechtol, Timothy "TJ" Chambers (Leah), Lyndsey McCaskey Goddard (Adam), Amber Bechtol Seivers (Jerrod), Elise McCaskey Merkich (Scott), Benjamin Bechtol, Colbi Chambers (Merrick Jensen), Macy Soltis Coiro (Biagio), Alexis Bechtol (Cody Oravitz), Kyndra Chambers Hileman (Tristan) and Sarni Soltis; her 14 great-grandchildren, Jace and Aurora Chambers, Adam and Clara Goddard, Kaleigh Swart (Eban), Morgan Seivers (Daniel Lucas), Ella and Corbet Kobs, Presley and Lakyn Merkich, Cayden Chambers, Charter and Arbor Dugan and Madeline Coiro; and her great-great-granddaughter, Scarlet Swart.
Marlene graduated from New Castle High School in 1953. She then worked for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company before marrying the love of her life. After her children were born, she committed her time to creating a beautiful home and loving her family. She took much pride in all she did and accepted nothing short of perfection in her efforts to make their house a home. Marlene used her creative talents to enrich the lives of everyone in her family.
She was a Brownie leader, Girl Scout leader, softball coach and Sunday school teacher at First Alliance Church in New Castle, where she was a member and worshipped with her dear friends. She was committed to practicing her Christian beliefs daily and setting good examples on how to live a good and faithful life.
When her daughters were older, Marlene began working as the administrative assistant to the president of AAA, retiring after 30 years. She was an exceptional artist, a great dancer and a fun spirit whose smiles and laughter warmed hearts. Most importantly, she had a genuinely kind, giving and forgiving heart, which made all the difference to her family. Her humble and grateful nature was so ingrained in her heart and soul that it stayed with her even through her long, arduous battle with Alzheimer's disease. Marlene managed to smile and be gracious every day up to and including her last. She will be deeply and painfully missed by her family. She made everything right.
We would like to extend our gratitude to the certified nurse practitioner, nurses, certified nursing assistants, activities staff, the beautician, the hospice team and all the caregivers and staff at Quality Life Services - Grove City, who shared their love and care with our mother. We want to send a special thank you to Barb McConnell, who stayed with our mom in her home for an extended period of time providing care, Amy Aiken who provided in-home care, and Sonia Green and Susan Backstrom, who lovingly helped our mom. Thank you all for your loving care. We will never forget your kindness.
MCFARLAND - Visitation for Marlene Ruth Irwin McFarland, who died Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026, will be held from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, at R. CUNNINGHAM FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY, 2429 Wilmington Road, New Castle.
A funeral service will take place immediately following visitation at 6:30 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Alliance Church in New Castle.
Online condolences may be offered to the family by visiting www.cunninghamfh.com.