Denice Ann McFarland

Denice Ann McFarland, age 79, of Henderson, KY, passed away at 4:15 a.m., Saturday, April 11, 2026, at her daughter's home under the care of St. Anthony’s Hospice and surrounded by her family. Denice was born in Cannelton, IN to the late Joseph and Virginia Paulin. She graduated from Cannelton High School and then Indiana University, ultimately with her master’s degree in education. Denice worked for the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation for over 30 years. She taught at Fairlawn Elementary and McGary Elementary schools in Evansville, focusing on reading recovery and first grade. During her career, Denice made lifelong friendships with her peers and enjoyed many luncheons throughout the years with that special group. Denice and her high school sweetheart, Tom, made a beautiful life together. She enjoyed traveling, internationally and domestically, cheering on the IU sports teams, hosting parties, cooking for her family and friends, and decorating her home beautifully for the holidays. Some of Denice’s most prized moments were spent at their vacation home at Lake Barkley with grandchildren having fun on the wave runners and the pontoon boat. Denice is survived by her husband Tom McFarland of Henderson, KY; daughter Natalie Lancaster and her husband Rick of Henderson, KY; son Tom McFarland and his wife Connie of Henderson, KY; sisters: Marilyn Litherland and her husband Buddy of Jasper, IN, Suzanne Vogler and her husband Paul of Jasper, IN, and Angela Malone and her husband Rod of Tell City, IN; grandchildren: Emma Fox (Caleb), Gabe McFarland (Lucy), Sam McFarland, Anna Beals (Tyler), Ryan Lancaster, and Paisley Lancaster. Relatives and friends are invited to Denice’s Life Celebration from 3:00 until 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 13, at Benton-Glunt & Tapp Funeral Home in Henderson, KY. A prayer service will be led that evening at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home. Friends may visit from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at St. Augustine Catholic Church in Reed, KY. A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at noon with Father Will Thompson officiating. Entombment will follow at Parklawn Cemetery in Evansville, IN. The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Dana Ford, Denice’s primary caregiver, along with the many others who offered loving care for their mother. Additionally, to Lindsay Thompson, her hospice nurse, for the exceptional care she provided in their time of need. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to St. Anthony’s Hospice, 2410 S. Green Street, Henderson, KY 42420. Arrangements entrusted to Benton-Glunt & Tapp Funeral Home, A Life Celebration® Home. Please visit www.bentongluntandtappfuneralhome.com to share memories and words of comfort with Denice’s family.

Denice Ann McFarland

December 22, 1946 - April 11, 2026