From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Bonita Ann McFarland, 90, Galesburg, Illinois
Died February 24, 2021
The family of Bonita McFarland is saddened to announce her passing into the arms of the Lord on the evening of February 24, 2021, in sunny Florida, after a lengthy effort to battle renal disease at the age of 90.
Bonnie was the daughter of Margaret and Creighton “Shorty” Hoskins. She is preceded in death by her husband and childhood sweetheart of 44 years of marriage, Robert “Mickey” McFarland, who she met at 13 and called the love of her life. Siblings Alice Sanford, and Gero Hoskins also preceded her in death. Bonnie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.
She was a lifelong resident of Galesburg, Illinois, and a member of Faith United Methodist Church of Galesburg. Bonnie worked for over 20 years at First Galesburg National Bank, where she was head teller in charge of the Prairie Street Drive-In facility. Her happy personality and wonderful smile will live in the hearts of all who knew her.
Bonnie is lovingly remembered by her two children: Cynthia Johann (Mark) of Florida and Michael McFarland (Connie Scott) of Illinois, her two grandsons: Bradley Johann (married to Kerri) of Colorado and Matthew Johann (married to Jessica) of Illinois, as well as great-grandchildren; Eloise, Henry, Lillian, and Sophia Johann and Kaiden Higgins, sister-in-law, Sue Hoskins, niece, Patti Sanford Locks, and numerous relatives and friends.
A Memorial of Bonnie’s life will be held on June 5, 2021 at Faith United Methodist Church, Galesburg, IL. Visitation will be from 11 to 12 followed by a Memorial service at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith United Methodist Church, 876 E. Knox Street, Galesburg, IL or VNA Hospice House, Vero Beach, FL. (vnatc.org).
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff of VNA, Oslo Dialysis Center, and VNA Hospice House, all of Vero Beach, for their care and compassion.
Your life has been a blessing, and your memory a treasure, you will be missed beyond measure. May you forever rest in peace.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Margie Mae Ward, 90, Vero Beach
February 20, 1931 – February 27, 2021
Margie Mae Ward (90) passed peacefully from this life on February 27, 2021. Born in Shiloh, Ohio on February 20, 1931, she was the only daughter of James Preston and Susanna Dixon Friend.
Growing up in Depression Era America, Margie was well-acquainted with hard work and dedication. These traits remained with her throughout her life. She married Melvin Ward on October 4, 1947, and they had four children before Margie began work at Southern Hills hospital in Portsmouth, Ohio as a nurse’s aide. She continued this work until the family moved to Vero Beach in 1965.
Margie was a devoted family matriarch to both her immediate and her extended family in Vero. She planned holiday parties, sewed prom dresses, cooked countless meals, and eventually cared for her aging mother and her ill husband. By 1981 her house was empty, but her life continued to be full. She was an active member of Ryanwood Fellowship Church and worked at Weight Watchers.
Margie’s passing is mourned by her daughters, Melvena Grice (Bob) of Vero Beach, Cerelia Sipe (Robert) of Bonaire, GA, her son, Rev. Michael Ward (Sheila) of Vero Beach, 9 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Ward, her daughter, Sunita Romani, her husband, Thomas Greene, and four of her brothers.
The family extends deep appreciation to the dedicated staff at Florida Baptist Retirement Center who made Margie’s final years ones in which she knew she was safe, well-cared for, and loved. Words alone cannot express our gratitude.
A visitation will be held 10 – 11 a.m., on Monday, March 8th with an 11 a.m. Funeral Service to follow at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home, 1655 27th St., Vero Beach. Interment at Crestlawn Cemetery will immediately follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Ryanwood Fellowship Church, 2196 54th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32966 in memory of Margie Ward.
From Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory
Arlan J. Bartz, 56, Vero Beach
April 16, 1964 – February 28, 2021
Arlan J. Bartz, 56, of Vero Beach died Sunday February 28, 2021 at the Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.
Arlan was born April 16, 1964 in Yankton, South Dakota and was a resident of Indian River County.
He is survived by his wife, Terri Sloan-Bartz of Vero Beach.
A funeral service will be held at the Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home Chapel on Friday, March 5, 2021 at 11:00 AM with Deacon Dave Hankle from St. Helen Catholic Church officiating. Inurnment will be at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens, Fort Pierce, immediately following the funeral service.