Maxine McFarland

Maxine McFarland, 94, of Hartford passed away peacefully at her home on Oct. 24, 2025. She was born Sammie Maxine Anderson on Sept. 20, 1931, in Gid, Ark., to Hulon and Della (Harvell) Anderson. Though her family had few material possessions, she remembered her childhood as a time rich in family closeness, simple pleasures, resilience and the enduring bonds of parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Her father died when she was 5, and seven years later her mother married Theodore Fulbright and the family moved from Arkansas to Benton Harbor.

She met and married Arthur D. McFarland Jr., of Hartford in 1948, and together they built a happy and successful life, first in the Benton Harbor area, then moving to Hartford following her father-in-law's death in 1950. They purchased and over time expanded her in-laws' fruit farm and for 40 years operated a farm market near the I-94 interchange in Hartford. After her husband's passing in 2008, she continued farming for two years before selling the farm but keeping the family homestead. At 79, she then embraced her later years surrounded by those she loved most, offering gentle wisdom, encouragement and the warmth of her ever-welcoming home – where coffee was brewing, something sweet was always fresh from the oven, and conversation was easy.

Her humble beginnings instilled in her a deep empathy for those in need and a genuine ability to connect with people. She had a kind and gentle spirit, and her life was marked by generosity, faith, quiet fortitude and above all, steadfast love and devotion to her family. Her faith was a constant guide; she was a dedicated member of the Hartford Federated Church (now Hartford Bible Church), serving as social chairwoman, singing in the choir, and teaching in the AWANA program. She unwaveringly sponsored children in need through World Vision over decades and together with her husband, supported the work of Cedine Bible Mission. She also was actively engaged in her community. In 1993, she was appointed to the Hartford Township Planning Commission, a position she held for many years while also serving faithfully as an election inspector.

In addition to her treasured roles as Mom and Grandma, she was cherished "Auntie Mac" to nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and Max, Maxine or Mrs. McFarland to generations she watched grow up in Hartford, wholeheartedly celebrating their joys and standing beside them in times of struggle and loss.

She is survived by four children: Linda Bippus, Dan (Vicki) McFarland and Mike (Johnna) McFarland, all of Hartford, and JoAnne O'Rourke of Kalamazoo, Mich.; nine grandchildren: Richard (Candace) Avery of Grand Rapids, Mich., Keith (Nichole) Avery of Hartford, Dennis Linderman and Kim Miller (Chad Compton) of Indianapolis; Daniel, Adam and Blake McFarland and Amanda (Brian) Rogers, all of Hartford and John O'Rourke of Kalamazoo; 19 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Peggy Bowen.

She was preceded in death by her husband (in 2008); daughter, Christine Price (2017); brother, Rev. Kenneth Anderson (2011); sister, Imogene Fisher (2015); brothers-in law Jay McFarland (1999), Jeff Bowen (2007) and Loren Fisher (2012); sisters-in-law: Charlene McFarland (2018) and Sandra Anderson (2024); and son-in-law, Jeff Bippus (2008).

Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, at Hartford Bible Church, 65418 Red Arrow Highway. A celebration of life service will follow at 11 a.m., led by Pastor Ben Williamson. Interment will be in Maple Hill Cemetery in Hartford, with a luncheon afterward at the church.