- Date Of Birth: May 17, 1979
- Date Of Death: December 24, 2014
- State: Iowa
Sarah Marie (Edwards) McFarland, beloved wife of Darin, mother of Kelsey, Madelyn and Abram, and daughter of Marlene and Jerry, died on Wednesday, December 24, at home in Chariton. She was 35.
Sarah Marie was born on May 17, 1979, at Wayne County Hospital in Corydon. Her parents were Jerry and Marlene (McKinley) Edwards and she grew up on the Edwards family farm North of Williamson, where she loved to help her grandfather, William Edwards with chores.
She was very active in 4-H as a youngster, entering projects in many areas at the county fair and showing a variety of livestock. Cattle, all of which she named, were a special love that continued all her life – – – and she always declined to eat beef as a result. She also enjoyed horses – – – and loved vacation travels with her family.
Sarah attended elementary grades in Williamson and then Chariton High School, where her love of music was expressed by participation in the band. She graduated from Chariton High School with the Class of 1998.
Sarah and Darin McFarland were married on September 6, 1997, at the Edwards Farm and they established their home in Chariton. They became the parents of three children: Kelsey, Madelyn and Abram, who were the greatest joys of her life.
She began working at the age of 16, as an aide at the Chariton Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, and while working there, earned her Certified Nursing Assistant designation. She went on to earn her Associate Degree of Nursing from Indian Hills Community College and her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of Phoenix.
Sarah continued to work at Chariton Nursing and Rehabilitation for a number of years as a Registered Nurse, and then joined the staff of Circle of Friends Hospice as a Patient Care Coordinator. At the time of her death, she was a night charge nurse at West Ridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Knoxville.
Throughout her life, Sarah’s strong work ethic was directed toward nurturing and caring for others – – – her husband and children, her extended family, her friends, and as a care center and hospice nurse, for the elderly, the dying and their families.
She died in her sleep after keeping a final night watch with her patients at the Knoxville Care Center.
Sarah loved music, especially attending concerts with her children; cars; decorating cakes; camping and the outdoors in general; coaching her kids’ soccer teams; and the family’s three dogs – – – Fancy, Stella and Ginny.
In addition to her husband, children and parents, Sarah is survived by her grandmother, Ruth Edwards; and five siblings – – – Emily (Louie) Cox of Oklahoma City, Lydia (Joe Goldman) Edwards of Chariton, Ian Edwards of Dubuque, Sylvia (Donovan McFarland) Edwards of Chariton and Kayla Edwards, at home. There are also a nephew and niece, Ashton and Aubrey.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, William Edwards, and Howard and Alberta McKinley; and a special Step-Grandfather, Doug Ballard.
