Molly Dee Sarff

Molly D McFarland Sarff, devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother, 83, of Sioux City, passed away on July 17th, in Omaha, NE.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Christy-Smith Morningside Chapel with family present. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 22nd at Country Celebrations Event Center, 5606 Hamilton Blvd in Sioux City with a luncheon to follow. Burial will be in Graceland Park Cemetery at 1:30 pm. Online condolences may be sent to www.christysmith.com .

Molly was born on September 17, 1938, the only child of Paul and Margaret McFarland, in Onawa, IA. She graduated from Onawa High School and was a lifelong proud Bulldog! After high school she attended the University of South Dakota as an art major.

Molly married her high school sweetheart, James Sarff, on Oct. 31, 1956. They lived
briefly in Onawa, but made Sioux City their home for more than 50 years. It was there that they raised their three beloved children. She has spent the last several years under the care of the angels at Esprit Whispering Ridge Assisted Living in Omaha, where she became a friend to many.

Molly may be remembered most by her creative and outgoing spirit. She loved traveling the world with her family and friends and hosted many outstanding parties, which created long lasting memories for all who came. All were welcome at Molly’s table where friends, and even friends of friends, were considered family.

Molly was a true artist who operated a successful floral design studio for many years. She loved to design beautiful floral arrangements for parties and weddings. In later years she loved creating special paintings and drawings for all of her great-grandchildren. Her beautiful artistry and generous heart touched many lives.

Molly’s most precious creation, however, was her family. She frequently marveled at them saying, “Jim, can you believe we started all of this?” Her family brought her so much joy and pride and they will keep her memory ever close in heart and mind.

Molly is survived by her children son, Shaun Sarff (Julie) and daughters, Kelly Thole (Steve), Stacy Kuester (Kurt), Monte Jaacks; grandchildren, Megan Ulrich (Matt), Bryn Knobbe (Kurt), Haley Byers (Jacob), Ashley Jaacks, Whitney Shipman (Josh), Trevor Sarff (Elina), Taylor Sarff, Corey Carlson, Chad Carlson; 18 great grandchildren; sister-in-law Pat Sarff, and 3 nieces. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Sarff, parents Paul and Margaret McFarland, sister-in-law Sandy Peterson, brother-in-law Lowell Sarff Jr. and her faithful Boston Terrier, Lulu Kay.