Vivian V. McFarland

Vivian Voneta (Roe) McFarland passed peacefully after a brief illness on December 24, 2025, 6:59 pm at HSHS Holy Family Hospital. Characteristically, she waited until shift change on Christmas Eve. Vivian was born at home on July 7, 1925 to Roy and Ona (Gass) Roe in rural Mulberry Grove, Illinois. Vivian grew up on the family farm, to which she often attributed her lasting physical strength. At 100 years of age, she routinely re-arranged her living room furniture, and her family often found her raking leaves, pulling weeds or using the leaf blower in her yard. She was independent and determined throughout her life, attributes that did not diminish as she aged.

Vivian attended the one room school in Van Burensburg, Coffeen High School, and later graduated from Hillsboro High School. After WW II, she married Dale E. McFarland on August 3, 1946. They moved to Greenville, where they raised their family and worked until retirement. Dale preceded her in death on August 25, 2003.

In 1960, Viv began working at Demoulin Brothers in the cap and gown department. After her retirement, she became a "full-time volunteer" with the hospital auxiliary thrift shop. Despite her active lifestyle, she still found time to sell Mary Kay on the side. She was active in the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union (ILGWU) and was a staunch supporter of unions in general. She strongly believed that without unions, there would be no middle class. Her family didn't dare try to gift her anything that wasn't made in America. Over time, it became almost impossible to find suitable gift items, so she begrudgingly accepted the reality. In the 1970's she attended an AFLCIO meeting in Chicago. The conference hotel had signed a contract to only use linens made in the USA. When the ladies in attendance discovered some of the tablecloths had been imported, they threw them out the windows, onto the street below. Dale learned about it on the evening news.

Viv supported women's rights and marched in many ERA (Equal Rights Amendment) rallies. She supported Democratic Party candidates throughout her lifetime and had plenty to say about our country's current state of affairs. Viv was a true patriot and hoped and prayed that our democracy would still be around long after she departed. She was appalled to hear church leaders talking politics from the pulpit. Vivian was of the Baptist faith.

Vivian made over 150 beautiful quilts during her lifetime. Although she attributed her physical strength to farm life, she always claimed that quilting kept her mind sharp. Whether you called her Mom, Grandma, G-Mac, Aunt Viv or "friend", chances are you have one of her quilts.

Vivian led a long and productive life. She was blessed with a great husband and good health. Her family was blessed to have had her for so many years. Her 100th Birthday Celebration was held in July and over 200 friends and family members attended. She was delighted to greet every single person and spoke fondly of the experience up until her last days. She was also very surprised when The Greenville Advocate asked to write an article about her "just because I'm old". Many people will remember her easy laugh.

Vivian was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dale, son Roger Dale McFarland and son-in-law Ray Bagato. She was the last of her siblings, preceded in death by Donna (Donald) Wilson, Velma (Ellis) Wilson, Earl Dean (Nadine) Roe, and Beth (Bill) Hoekstra. Also preceding her in death were in-laws Eldon (Mildred) McFarland and Rev. Michael McFarland.
Vivian is survived by daughter-in-law Jackie McFarland, daughters Beverly Sue (Ed) Gorline and Judy Bagato, and son Randy (Janice) McFarland.

Surviving grandchildren are Cassie (Troy) Micnheimer, Stephanie (Jake) Rose, Travis (Alwyn van Tonder) Gorline, Chelsey (Josh) Cox, Este Bagato, Amy (Charles) Bagato Grandt, Kristy (Harold) File, Blake (Kailah) McFarland. Great Grandchildren are Raegan Micnheimer, Johnathan Joiner, Shelby Rose, Bristol Rose, Maggie Rose, Jarin Weber, Cazdin Weber, Grant Cox, Oliver Grandt, Chase Grandt and Lennon Mayer. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Assalley Funeral Home, 118 E. College Ave., Greenville, IL 62246, is entrusted with the following arrangements: Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 9:00 – 11:00 am, the family will receive visitors. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 am. Burial will be held privately. All services officiated by Minister Dale Deverick.

Memorial contributions may be made at the funeral home or mailed to: Mt. Auburn Cemetery Association, c/o 1074 Rocky Mountain Ave., Greenville, IL 62246 or VFW Post 1377, PO Box 173, Greenville, IL 62246.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.