Helena F. McFarland, 84, of Ottumwa died at 11:40 a.m. December 18, 2025 at her home with her children present.
She was born June 27, 1941 in Kirksville, MO to Royal Elza and Edna Eliza Wiles Byers. She married Orie Junior McFarland on July 24, 1959 and he preceded her in death September 4, 2004.
Growing up in northern Missouri, she lived in Idaho for two years before graduating from Kirksville High School. Helena worked for a short time at Montgomery Ward in Kirksville.
Helena was a wife and mother. She sold Avon and later worked at J.C. Penney’s. In their later years, she and her husband enjoyed helping the elderly.
Helena was a member of Bible Baptist Church and was active in the Republican Party and the Tea Party. She enjoyed working around her house, tending her garden, sewing and reading.
Surviving are her children; Helen Henry of Ottumwa, Robert (Cristina) McFarland of Seville, Spain and Jason (Erin) McFarland of Savannah, GA; 3 grandchildren, Derek (Francesca) McFarland of Leeds, England, Kelly (Andy) Checo of Puerto, Spain and Quinci (Blake) Cottrell of Ottumwa; 2 great-grandchildren, Myla Checo and June Checo; and a sister, Ilene Umphress of Ottumwa
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Darwin Byers; a sister, Evelyn Crossgrove; and a son-in-law, Brian Henry.
Visitation will be open at 11 a.m. Monday, December 29th, at Reece Funeral Home with the family present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday.
Funeral services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, December 30th, at Bible Baptist Church with Pastor Ed Matthews officiating. Burial will be in Shaul Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family.
