Laura Jean MacFarlane, 91, of Paris, passed away peacefully, April 7, 2018 in Big Rapids. She was born on February 11, 1927 to Lloyd and Melissa (Wilcox) Staffen, who farmed in the Morley-Amble Area. In 1931, her two older brothers were lost to meningitis and the family of three moved southwest of Davis Bridge near Stanwood, to a farm along the Muskegon River, where Laura Jean grew up.

She attended the Stanwood School and met Lois Porter who would become her best friend and remain so for over eighty years. She graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1945 and took secretarial courses at Central Michigan University.

In 1943, Laura Jean met the love of her life, John MacFarlane. They were married May 8, 1948 in Big Rapids. She shared Johns dream of spending their lives together on the MacFarlane Homestead Farm at Paris, where they raised their family and instilled their values of hard work, honesty and caring for others.

Laura Jean was office manager of the Wolverine Plant in downtown Big Rapids until the arrival of firstborn, Jane in 1955. She had a sizeable raspberry picked/you pick plantation on the farm throughout the 1960s and then became a departmental secretary in the Ferris State College School of Allied Health where she touched the lives of countless co-workers and students, retiring in 1990.

Called upon after Johns passing in 1991, to assume his position as trustee of Green Charter Twp. She served multiple terms in that capacity.

Laura Jean loved God and worked tirelessly as a member of the Paris United Methodist Church, including serving as treasurer and on many boards over the 50 plus years of her attendance. Many will remember the flowers she tended and the beautiful arrangements she brought to so many Sunday services.

Always growing a bountiful and immense garden, she loved to work the soil, loved nature, all animals big and small, and life on her farm.

Ever sacrificing for others, she leaves a legacy of love and sharing for her family, friends and those in need, her entire life.

Laura Jean was preceded in death by parents, Lloyd and Melissa Staffen; brothers, Sherwood Dell and Darwin Wilcox Staffen; husband, John MacFarlane; sister-in-law, Mildred MacFarlane Harvey and grandson, Arron Pedelty.

She is survived by children, Jane (Jeffrey) Pedelty of Paris, Shawn MacFarlane of Paris, Scott (Denise) MacFarlane of Paris, and Monte (Janice) MacFarlane of Cedar Springs; grandchildren, Melissa MacFarlane, Monica MacFarlane, Joshua (Leslie) Hatchew, Adam (Haley) Hatchew, Aubrie (Jacob Mulder) Pedelty, John MacFarlane and Joseph MacFarlane; great-grandchildren, Brandon, Aurora, Brantlee, Colton, Ceredwyn, Jack and Hudson; best friend, Lois Porter Carpenter and many dear friends.

A celebration of a beautiful person and life will be 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 13, 2018 at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Reverend Devon Herrell officiating. The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 12th at the funeral home. Interment will take place later this spring at the West Cemetery, Green Township.

Memorial donations in Lauras name can be made to the Paris United Methodist Church. Share a memory or condolence with the family by clicking the guestbook page at www.daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Funeral Service Friday, April 13, 2018 Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307