Patsy Ruth McFarland

Patsy Ruth McFarland, 82, passed from this life on April 17, 2026. She was born on May 8, 1943, to Claude and Corda Lee (Gilkey) Dickens in Booneville, Arkansas.

Patsy was a loving person and a hard worker. For 28 years, she worked at Tyson where she made many lifelong friends. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, camping, and cooking wonderful meals that her family enjoyed. She had a giving heart and was known affectionately by her nieces as a grandmother-figure in their lives. Her family admired her quiet strength, which helped her to overcome many hardships throughout her life, as well as her good sense of humor. In addition to people, Patsy also loved cats and was known to take in strays and care for them. Her warm presence will be missed by many.

Patsy is survived by her husband of 47 years, Richard McFarland, her brother Sam Dickens and wife Chris, nieces Cassie Carter, Melanie Sharpe, Betty Ann Singleton and husband Robin, Judy Jenkins and husband Jerry; nephews Rowdy Perez, Ely Perez, and Tom Dickens, sister-in-law Vickie Dickens, and cousin Clara Woodall, as well as a host of extended family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her sons, Larry Wayne Gillespie and Douglas Boyd Gillespie, her parents Claude and Corda Lee Dickens, siblings Mary Evelyn Dickens, Charles McCoven, Robert Dickens, and Minnie Owen.

Family will receive friends on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 12 p.m. at the Martin Funeral & Cremation Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas. A service will follow on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 2 p.m. at the Martin Funeral & Cremation Chapel with Bro. Grady Parker officiating. Interment will follow at Union Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will include Tom Dickens, Noah Carter, and Rowdy Perez.

Arrangements are under the direction of Martin Funeral & Cremation – Waldron.