Vivian Maxine (Eakins) Garman

BURR OAK: Vivian Maxine (Eakins) Garman, of Burr Oak, was born December 11, 1915 in Concordia, Kansas to Vernon Lemuel Eakins and Lena Otila Braun. She died Tuesday, September 20, 2011 at the Jewell County Hospital at the age of 95 years, 8 months and 20 days.

A mixed blessing it was with body and mind so weak and determination so strong that her faithful soul went to be with the Lord.

She had three siblings, Neva Walker, Edena Garman and Pat Cook.

Maxine graduated from Concordia High School and was a member of the Burr Oak Christian Church.

On June 22, 1947, she married Loyde Kenneth Garman, and they were blessed with six children, Sherry, Wayne, Dwayne, Ken, Dan and Linda.

They lived on a farm southeast of Burr Oak. A place they would call home for 62 years. Maxine (as she went by) took pride in Loyde’s farming accomplishments, and worked side by side with him. Their farming operation consisted of cattle, hogs, chickens, wheat, milo, corn and hay.

Maxine cooked for the hired men for many years. If you left the table hungry, it was your own fault. She would worry that you might not have enough to eat. She was a gifted cook. For many years Maxine and Loyde raised chickens and grew a large garden. She always made the best fried chicken.

Besides cooking and gardening, she loved canning, sewing, wallpapering, painting, reading, and always having a cup of tea with family or friends.

With her infectious laugh and ornery way, she and dad loved playing cards with family and friends. There was always a pitch, canasta or pinochle game going on. And also when times were convenient on the farm they both loved to travel. She also enjoyed family vacations each year to some place new and exciting when the children were young.

She was a loving wife, mother and a hard-working homemaker. She loved her husband and family and was happiest when her family was around. She and Dad created many fond memories with their children and grandchildren.

In later years she loved her four pet cats – Jessie, Sam, Tipper and Cheater Jake who were her constant companions.

Maxine tried to live her life like the Lord would have wanted. She was a kind and loving person who prayed for her family and friends that the Lord would keep them safe and happy.

Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, Vern and Lena Eakins, her husband, Loyde, twin sons, Wayne and Dwayne, her sister, Neva Walker and grandson, Jerry Parsons.

She is survived by four children, her daughter Sherry (Bob) Parsons of Salina, twin sons, Ken (Leah) Garman, Dan (Vycke) Garman of Burr Oak, daughter Linda (Gary) Pahls of Beloit.

Eleven grandchildren- Cindy (Doug) Long of Salina, Curt (Sandy) Parsons of Bentonville, Arkansas, Greg Parsons of Kansas City, and Lori (Lynn) Brownlee of San Antonio, Texas, Sarah (Nick) Abegglen of Kearney, Nebraska, Jim Garman of Escondido, California, Erin and Angela Garman of Kansas City, Kevin Garman of Manhattan, Matt and Jeff Remus of Salt Lake City, Utah.

Four step-grandchildren - Jake and Jacilyn Hesting of Savannah, Georgia, Zane Hesting of Burr Oak and Katie Hesting of Manhattan, Kansas.

Eight great-grandchildren - Bryan Long, Salina, Amber (Arthur) Brownell, Chicago, Illinois, Bryce Parsons, Chicago, Illinois, Megan, Erin and Austin Brownlee, San Antonio, Texas, Jayden Abegglen, Kearney, Nebraska and Rachel Dix, Salina.

Eight great-great-grandchildren - Bailey and Alexis Long, Trey, Sean and Chloe Brownell, Quincy, Olivia and Oscar Dix.

Proverbs 31:28 "Her children arise up, and call her blessed;"

A celebration of life service will be (was) held Saturday, September 24, 2011, at 2:00 p.m., at the Christian Church, Burr Oak, Kansas, with Pastor Richard Cox officiating. Pianist will be (was) Gloria Garman-Schlaefli, and Pastor Gerry Sharp will be (was) the soloist. The hymns will be (were): “Amazing Grace”, “In the Garden”, “Sweet Hour of Prayer,” and Congregational hymn “How Great Thou Art.” Casket Bearers will be (were) Greg Parsons, Curtis Parsons, Matt Remus, Jeff Remus, Bryan Long, Kevin Garman, and Jim Garman. Honorary Casket bearers will be (were) Dan Garman, Ken Barman, Bob Parsons, Gary Pahls, Doug Long, Lynn Brownlee. Interment will be (was) beside Loyde in the Burr Oak Cemetery, Burr Oak, Kansas. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to: The Burr Oak Library Fund.

Family will receive friends Friday, September 23, 2011, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at the Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas. Visitation will be (was) Friday, September 23, 2011, from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the Mortuary. Melby Mortuary is (was) in charge of service arrangements.