Nancy Kay Francis McFarland

March 31, 1941 - December 18, 2021

Nancy Kay Francis (Lancial) McFarland, 80, of Albia died Saturday, December 18, 2021, at the Monroe County Hospital, surrounded by her family. She was born on March 31st, 1941, in Albia, IA, to Floyd and Grace (McLaughlin) Lancial. She was raised in Albia, graduating from Albia High School in 1959. While attending school she met the love of her life, Max McFarland, whom she married on March 8th, 1959 and they spent 54 years together until Max’s passing in 2014. To this union 2 children were born, Dwaine and Karen. Nancy helped on the farm until Dwaine was born, then became a housewife while still helping with the milking of the cows every morning and every night. When they retired from milking, she worked in the cafeteria at the high school for 2 years and at Quicktron for 3 years before fully retiring to take care of Max. She also battled breast cancer during this time, which she beat and stayed in remission the remainder of her life. Nancy enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, watching veterinarian shows and her beloved soap operas. She and Max liked to go on rides in their ranger around the farm. There was nothing more she loved than spending time with her great grandchildren. She loved running around with Doris Pearson and Harriett May and they would frequently go out to lunch. Nancy is survived by her daughter, Karen (Rick) Little of Albia; 4 grandchildren, Ryan (Jessica) May of Albia, Cory May of Oskaloosa, Michael May of Albia, and Tyler (Beth) Little of Albia; 5 great grandchildren, Benjamin May, Ryker, Nova and Owen Little, Isaak McDunn, and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, Floyd and Grace Lancial; her husband, Max McFarland; her son, Dwaine McFarland; her sister, Janice Callen; her brother, Larry Lancial and her lifelong friend, Edna Hamilton. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Nancy’s family present from 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m. to greet family and friends. Nancy’s family requests that those in attendance please wear masks. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at the Tharp Funeral Home in Albia, with Pastor Roger Henry officiating. Burial will follow services at the Hiteman Cemetery in Hiteman. An open memorial has been established to the family.