Letha Joy Garst

Letha Joy (Modlin) Garst

Letha Joy Garst passed peacefully on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 at the Jewell County Hospital, Mankato, KS at the age of 89.  Letha was born to Hugh and Ethel (Loomis) Modlin on August 21, 1932 in Otego, Kansas.

On November 8, 1950 Letha Joy Modlin was united in marriage to James Franklin Garst, they celebrated 70 loving years of marriage this past November. To this union two beautiful children were born, daughter Teresa Anne Garst and son Randy Stewart Garst.

Letha operated a daycare out of their home for many children in the Jewell County community. She also distributed the Salina Journal newspaper for many years to community members.

Letha was a member of the First Baptist Church, Mankato, KS and also the American Legion Auxiliary of Scandia, KS.

Letha loved playing card games, especially Rummy.  She was a great cook and loved to bake, she also liked to do word searches, put puzzles together and polka dancing; but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends.

Letha is survived by Brother Fred Modlin (Joyce) of Inman, KS, Sister-in-law Shirley Hancock of Lakewood Co., Brother-in-law Paul Garst (Darlene) of Mankato, KS., 9 Grandchildren, 14 Great Grandchildren and many Nieces and Nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents Hugh and Ethel Modlin, husband James Franklin Garst, daughter Teresa Anne Garst, son Randy Stewart Garst, Sister Phyllis (Modlin) O’Brian and Carol (Modlin) Garst, brothers Douglas and Curtis Modlin.

A celebration of Letha Joy Garst life will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2021 at 11 am at the First Baptist Church Mankato, KS, located at 625 E South St. with Pastor Kevin Wood officiating. Lunch will follow the service.   With Burial at Riverview Cemetery, Scandia, Kansas.

Memorial Contributions may be given to Letha Joy Garst Memorial Fund in care of Melby Mortuary, PO Box 384, Mankato, KS 66956.

Melby Mortuary in charge of arrangements.