Rita McFarland

RITA ANN GROOVER MCFARLAND

Rita Ann Groover McFarland, 67, passed away at home on September 18, 2019 surrounded by her loving family.

Rita was born in Cumming, GA on January 8, 1952 to Rupert & Ruth Groover. She and her older brother, Earl, enjoyed a wonderful childhood living on acres of farmland in beautiful north Georgia.

She graduated from Forsyth County High School and later attended North Georgia College and graduated from Medical College of Georgia with a degree in Physical Therapy. She enjoyed a long and fulfilling career as a physical therapist, positively impacting everyone around her until she retired in 2016.

She met her husband, Gene, in 1973 and the two were married in the Washington DC Temple on June 21, 1975. They were blessed with four children. Due to Gene’s service in the U.S. Army, the family lived in North Carolina, Georgia, Germany, Kansas, Virginia, New York, and finally settled in Centerville, Utah in 1994.

Rita enjoyed biking, traveling, discovering new places, the beach, morning walks, sunsets, and capturing beautiful photos of nature. More often than not, you would see her with a camera draped around her neck. She loved sharing and enjoying these experiences with the people she loved most.

One of Rita’s greatest qualities is that she is a true and loyal friend. She is kind, genuine, accepting, honest, positive and always complimentary. But above all, Rita is an amazing mother and grandmother. She selflessly served her family in big and small ways. She was deliberate about creating unforgettable family memories in traditional vacation spots and mostly just at “Grandma’s House.” She took time to carve pumpkins, make gingerbread houses, do a puzzle, play a board game, or read a book with her grandkids. She made time to attend the temple, go to lunch, and spend quality time with each of her children and their spouses. She showed the greatest love through her keen ability to listen and by taking time just to talk. Simply put, she gave generously and unconditionally.

We have all learned so much from her example of faith, courage and grace throughout her life and especially while facing disease and hardship. We will forever be grateful for the faith she instilled in us that life is eternal and families are forever! We love you and will miss everything about you! But, we promise to do as you asked, “Shed a few tears, then laugh a lot!”

Rita is survived by her husband, Gene; children Jason McFarland (Sara), Andy McFarland (Bree), and Kelly Otteson (Jake); 11 beautiful grandchildren; brother Earl Groover (Regina); and many more loved family members and friends. She was preceded in death by her son, Matt McFarland, and her parents Rupert and Ruth Groover.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 11:00 am at the Centerville 6th Ward Chapel located at 900 South 400 East, Centerville, UT 84014. Interment will follow at Centerville Cemetery.

A visitation will be held on Friday, September 27, 2019 from 6:00-8:00 pm at Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary located at 727 N. 400 E. Bountiful, UT 84010 and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 am at the Centerville 6th Ward Chapel prior to services.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Nibley, Anita McDonald, the supporting staff at Utah Cancer Specialists, and the compassionate staff from Quality Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, Rita has requested that you consider donating to The Jared Prescott Charitable Trust at www.jaredtrust.org .