Penelope MacFarland Hulten
Penny was born on 10 January 1946 in Poughkeepsie, New York to Robert Lincoln and Gertrude Johnston MacFarland. She graduated from New Paltz State University in 1968 with a degree in Political Economics. During that time, her roommate asked her if she would like to date a cadet at West Point for their homecoming game. Penny said yes and the rest is history. Mike and Penny were married on 21 June 1969 shortly after Mike’s graduation and were subsequently sealed in the Bern Switzerland LDS Temple on 21 October 1972.
Penny is renowned for her love of animals, especially her horses. She learned to ride dressage (English) style while they were stationed in Germany from 1970 – 1974 and she continued that discipline for the next 30 years as they moved around the country. An exceptional rider, she was at one point coached and complimented by an Olympic level equestrian for her riding skills. When her riding days were over, she frequently noted that she missed her horses and her daily riding routine.
Never one to back down from a challenge, Penny was willing to take on zip lines, motorcycle rides (well, once anyway) and white water rafting on the North Fork of the American River. She stated that if she wanted to do things with the family, she would have to take on the high-adventure activities with them … and do them she did!
Penny’s legacy is twofold: First, one of overcoming adversity, as she bravely fought bipolar disorder and later in life Alzheimer’s disease. And secondly a love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, as exemplified in this excerpt from her Patriarchal Blessing: “You are a choice girl dear sister, of the seed of Israel … and you will share in the blessings given to these your noble ancestors.”
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.