yourdailylocalAgnes Ellen Moore McFarland, 94, formerly of Fox Hill Road, Russell, died at Warren Manor nursing home early Saturday morning, September 26, 2020. She was born May 11, 1926, in Youngsville, the sixth daughter of Floyd and Hilma Maria (Mary) Selander Moore.
She grew up on Prospect Street and attended school in Warren, graduating from Warren High School in 1944. Until 2018, when her health prohibited her participation, she enjoyed monthly lunches at the Eagles Club with her high school classmates. Agnes was married to Roger McFarland on August 30, 1945 at Wheeler Hill Methodist Church in the Town of Carroll, Chautauqua County, New York.
She was a member of the Warren Nazarene Church, where she taught Sunday School classes and directed the teen choir along with other ministries. In the 1970s she transferred her membership to Cable Hollow Church where she taught a preschool class, directed the choir, and served as treasurer of the Missions Committee. In 2003 she became a founding member of Pine Grove Christian Fellowship in Russell. In addition to her church involvement, rooted in her deep faith, Agnes was devoted to and proud of both her nuclear and large extended family.
She loved cooking and baking for them—at daily meals, special occasions, and reunions—and taking pictures of them for her many albums. Her pancakes, casseroles, butter brickle cake and Dutch apple pie will be sorely missed. Those food preparation skills led to employment as cafeteria manager at Eisenhower High School where she endeared herself to generations of students and employees.
At home, at church, or at work, wherever anyone encountered Agnes they came to love her beautiful smile, her easy laugh, and the “specialness” she made everyone feel. Agnes is survived by her husband, Roger, 98, a resident of Warren Manor, and by three sons: William (Mary Anne) of Russell; Gordon of Keene, New Hampshire; and Timothy (Jan) of Muskegon, Michigan. All twelve of Agnes’ grandchildren survive: Ian (Kelsey) McFarland of Grand Rapids, Michigan; Kari Button Perry of Hampton, Virginia; Liza Button (Jimmy) Buckingham of Mattaponi, Virginia; Andrew (Samantha) Button of Gloucester, Virginia; Adam Button (Shannon Perry) of Meadville; Kati McFarland (Mark) Woodard of Surry, New Hampshire; Meredith McFarland (Aaron) Renschler of Evansville, Indiana; Sam McFarland of Keene, New Hampshire; Rose McFarland of Greenfield, New Hampshire; Angela McFarland (Tracy) Breen of Ravenna, Michigan; Jason (Cassie) McFarland of Belding, Michigan; and Justin (Stephanie) McFarland of Muskegon, Michigan. Agnes is survived by 20 great-grandchildren and one great-great-granddaughter, and by one sister-in-law, Helena Moore of Warren, 20 nieces and nephews, and one Selander cousin. Agnes was preceded in death by her daughter Laureen McFarland Button Israel, and by five sisters: Ruth Moore Wiggins, Dorothy Moore Clark, Edith Moore Ruhl, Pauline Moore Fitzgerald, and Ida Moore Fitzgerald; and two brothers, Paul Moore and Alfred Moore.
Roger and the McFarland family would like to express their deep gratitude for not only the skilled care but also the loving kindness shown Agnes, over the final two-and-a-half years of her life, by the staff and administration at the Rouse Home and Warren Manor, and to the caregivers of Hospice of Warren County, many of whom will miss her smile and good cheer as much as her family members. Burial will be in Pine Grove Cemetery, Russell, and a memorial service will be arranged at the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions and the convenience of the family. Those wishing to send email condolences may do so by visiting www. petersonblickfuneralhome.com
