Elizabeth (Betty) J. MacFarland

Elizabeth (Betty) J. MacFarland, 93, of Westby, peacefully went to her eternal home on May 12, 2026. Betty was born to Ivar and Thelma (Stalsberg) Rognstad in Westby, on April 19, 1933. In 1951 she graduated from Westby High School. On May 9, 1953, she married the love of her life, Paul MacFarland. Together they built a beautiful life raising 4 children: David, Daniel, Ann, and Sara. 

Betty worked many different jobs over the years including Tri-State, Dolly Madison, Vernon Health, and Midwest Gas. She was a wonderful cook and enjoyed entertaining many family gatherings and holidays. Her lefse to us was the best, made with potatoes from her own garden and from her Dad's garden. Betty attended Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church in Westby. She faithfully attended most every Sunday and participated in many activities. Betty's greatest joy was her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We all had many fun times together and there wasn't anything that Betty wouldn't do for us. 

Betty is survived by her children David (Trinie) MacFarland, La Crosse, Daniel MacFarland, Westby, Ann (Timothy) Ferkingstad, La Crescent, MN, and Sara (Kelly) Yuds, Fall River, WI; 6 grandchildren, Rachel MacFarland and Trina (Joe) Eberhardt, Laura (James) Ethen and Erin Ferkingstad, Eric (Angela) Yuds and Kaeson Yuds; and 7 great-grandchildren, Irelyn, Lyla, and Camden Eberhardt, Anna and Evan Ethen, and Gavin and Adelynn Yuds. She is further survived by her siblings Mary (Curt) Moe and Lester (Vicki) Rognstad, and many nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her parents; her brother, Odell Rognstad; and her sisters, Elaine Boyles, Louise Yant, and Shirley Olson.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church in Westby. A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 am Tuesday at the church. Pastor Russ Krause will officiate with burial in the church cemetery. The Seland Funeral Home in Coon Valley is assisting the family. Condolences may be given at selandsfuneralhome.com. Thank you to Creamery Creek Viroqua and Agrace Hospice for their wonderful, loving care. Memorials may be given to Bethesda Lutheran Brethren Church.