MCFARLAND, Elaine

Elaine Hendrixson McFarland, 89, passed away in her sleep at her home in Westminster Village, Scottsdale. Mrs. McFarland graduated from Marietta College, Marietta, Ohio and earned a Master of Science degree in nursing from Western Reserve University. She served in the Army Nurse Corps during World War II with the rank of Captain. Following the war she served as director of student health at Western New Mexico University in Silver City, New Mexico. In 1946, she was named the first Director of Student Health Services for Arizona State College (now Arizona State University). She also was Director of the Arizona Department of Public Health. In 1981 she retired as Emeritus Professor in the Department of Health and Physical Education. Following her retirement she was an active volunteer at Westminster Village in Scottsdale. An accomplished musician she played the organ for religious services, the piano for the Alzheimer's Unit and for residents and guests in the dining room on Saturday evenings. As an expert gardener she oversaw many planting projects at Westminster and was known for her beautiful roses. Her husband, Col. Charles Norton McFarland, preceded her in death. Surviving are her brothers Lewis Hendrixson and his wife Virginia of Cincinnati, Ohio and Milton Hendrixson of Goldsboro, N.C. A Memorial Service was held in the Westminster Village Chapel, 12000 N. 90 St. Internment will be held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas. Funeral arrangements are made by Messinger Mortuaries in Scottsdale. In her final request she asked for donations to St. Barnabas of the Desert Episcopal Church, 6715 N. Mockingbird Lane, Paradise Valley, 85253 or the Westminster Assistance Fund, 12000 N. 90th St., Scottsdale, 85260, in lieu of flowers. Published in the Arizona Republic from 1/22/2004 - 1/23/2004