Geneva Grace Garman

Geneva Grace (Stanton) Garman was born October 29, 1910, at Miltonvale, Kansas, to Ray and Ada (Neill) Stanton, and died March 6, 2007, at the Jewell County Hospital, Long-term Care, Mankato, Kansas, at the age of 96 years, 3 months, and 7 days.

She graduated from Burr Oak High School in 1928, and attended Kansas State University to get and keep her normal teaching certificate. Geneva played the trumpet in the K-State marching band, and in later years she played in church, and taps for military honors.
On March 19, 1938, Geneva was united in marriage to Earl Garman in Plainville, Kansas. To this union four children were born: Gary Lee, Mary Ann, Ernest Neil, and Johnny Ray.

Geneva was very active in the Burr Oak community. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and received a 75 year pin. She was honored to receive her pin from her son, Gary. Geneva was very active in the Burr Oak Christian Church, serving as pianist, Sunday School teacher, and worked in the Christian Women’s Fellowship for many years. She also served as a den mother for the local cub scouts, along with her career as a school teacher and farmwife.

Geneva was preceded in death by her husband, Earl; infant son, Ernest Neil; parents, and sisters- Freda Benedick and Eva McCormick.

She is survived by three children: Gary and wife, Carol Garman of Burr Oak, Kansas, Mary Ann Foley of Salida, Colorado, and John and wife, Pam Garman of Hastings, Nebraska; sister Rada Stanton of Louisville, Kentucky; and brother, Raymond Stanton of Madison, Indiana; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. Geneva is fondly remembered as Grandma Gen by her step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, and step-great-great-grandson.

A celebration of life service for Geneva Garman was held Friday, March 9, 2007, at 2:00 p.m., at the Christian Church, Burr Oak, Kansas, with Pastor Richard Cox officiating. Eulogy was written by John McCormick. Music was provided by Wanda Fraiser, organist, and the congregation sang: “Under His Wings,” “In The Garden,” and “Last Mile of the Way.” Casket bearers were: Jeremey Garman, Jasyn Garman, Bruce Ost, Ian Foley, Ken Ruppe, and Mike Kilgore. Honorary casket bearers were: Colin Foley, John Bustimonte, Mike Kilgore, II, John McCormick, Jack Benedick, Ken Garman, Dan Garman, Bob Garman, and Terry Garman. Interment was in the Burr Oak Cemetery, Burr Oak, Kansas. The family suggests memorials to the Christian Church, Burr Oak, Kansas. Melby Mortuary, Mankato, Kansas, was in charge of arrangements.