Betty Jean (McFarland) Book, 94, passed away peacefully June 9, 2021, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Home in Rushford, Minn., where she had resided since September 2019. Betty was born July 10, 1926, at home on the family farm near Potsdam, Minn., the first of Archie and Verna McFarland’s four children.
Betty loved life on the farm and always proudly thought of herself as a “farmer from Potsdam.” She enjoyed farm chores and working alongside her dad even as a young child. By age eight she could drive the farm pickup truck or a team of horses to the Elgin Creamery. Throughout her lifetime, she shared many stories with family and friends about growing up on the farm, and she always cherished the memories.
After graduation from country school in 1942 Betty went to work at Mayo Clinic as an elevator operator and chauffeur for Mayo doctors. She became the favorite driver for Dr. Charles Mayo, who often requested “that farm girl from Potsdam.”
Betty married the love of her life, William (Bill) Book in 1946 and they enjoyed many years together until Bill’s passing in 2005. They lived in Rochester, Chisago City and Red Wing. They raised three sons. In retirement, they spent winters at Roadrunner Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz., with many good friends.
Betty was ambitious, industrious and adventurous. Her favorite times were those spent with family. She had many friends. She loved plants, gardening, deer hunting, camping, long walks, dogs, dancing, cribbage with Bill, playing nickels, and as she said, “blabbing” with friends. She loved to laugh and her friendliness will be remembered by many. A visit with Betty would brighten anyone’s day. She spent several weeks in Rushford after the flood in 2007 as a volunteer helping serve meals at Montini Hall and visiting with many of the residents who were displaced from their homes.
Betty was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and brother, Bill McFarland. She is survived by sons Dan (Debbie) of Peterson, Minn., Marty (Barb) of Maricopa, Ariz., and Perry of Red Wing, Minn.; grandchildren Dani, William, Cori, Wade, Toni, Mariah, Sydney; 11 great grandchildren, sisters Nancy (Keith) Houston and Margie Dombeck.
A family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Betty’s ashes will be spread at her beloved family farm still operated by her nephew Jim McFarland.
All of Betty’s family would like to thank the staff at Good Shepherd for the wonderful care she received and are so grateful that she could remain active and enjoy the last couple years of her life as a resident there.
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