Alma L. Garman

Alma Louise Garman, daughter of W.G. (Bill) and Mattie (Gillett) Decker, was born January 4, 1926 at the family home east of Burr Oak. She departed this life Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at SunPorch in Smith Center, Kansas at the age of 97 years, 10 months and 24 days. She was an only child and the only grandchild of Groo and Emma Gillett.

As an elementary student, Alma walked to the country school near her home. When starting High school in Burr Oak, she rode her horse to and from and stabled him in a shed near the school. She graduated with the class of 1944. She was united in marriage with Joseph Lee Garman on June 11, 1944. They made their home on the farm east of Burr Oak where this union was blessed with three children: Terry, Bob and Carla.

Alma enjoyed the outdoors digging in the dirt, caring for her many plants and flowers. As a widow for more than 40 years she also enjoyed the companionship of her dogs.

Alma joined the Burr Oak American Legion Auxiliary in 1946 which her mother and grandmother were charter members of. Until May of 2023, she only missed two Memorial Day Services at the Burr Oak Cemetery. She especially enjoyed placing the small American flags on each Veterans’ gravestones in honor of their time spent in service to their country. She was a dedicated and active member of the Burr Oak United Methodist Church. Alma was very proud of her accomplishment of having the church and the Burr Oak Museum placed on the National Historic Register. Alma also enjoyed attending the sporting events of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Lee, on September 19, 1983; and her oldest grandchild, Todd on October 22, 2023.

Left to treasure her memory are her children: Terry and Carol Garman, Bob and Pam Garman and Carla and Oren Underwood; her grandchildren: Quentin Underwood, Brenda and Sam Eakins, Brian and Erin Underwood, Tracy and Mike Larson, Troy and Renee Garman, Gerit Garman, and Gavin and Amy Garman; 23 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; other relative and many friends.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Burr Oak Community Church on Saturday, December 16, 2023. A private family burial will take place prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be given to the Burr Oak Community Church or the Burr Oak Museum in care of the funeral home.

Arrangements are under the care of Melby Mortuary, PO Box 383, Mankato, KS 66956.