Katherine "Katie" Garner

In the early morning hours of November 24, 2019, Katie Garner took her husband’s hand, and was led into her heavenly Father’s kingdom, greeted by all of her family and friends who went on before her.

Florence Katherine “Katie” Garner was born into this world on August 1, 1929 in Wyandotte, MI to Hagar and Mary Jane (Blevins) Hensley. On May 14, 1948 Katie married the love of her life Eldon “Wayne” Garner in Greenup KY, and he precedes her.

From this union, Katie and Wayne were blessed with 9 children. In her younger years, Katie was a hard and dedicated worker, and held many jobs here and there to help make ends meet for her large family. However, among these jobs, the one that was the most fulfilling and gratifying for Katie was being a homemaker and housewife.

Cooking, cleaning and raising her family occupied much of her time. She was a loving mother to all nine of her children, then later in life, she took great pleasure in being a grandma, a great-grandma, and a great-great grandma. On an average day, you could find Katie running errands with her husband Wayne, affectionately “Dad” by Katie, or at bible study or church singing the gospel, with Wayne picking the guitar right along beside her. She loved to watch her old westerns in her leisure time, and if she hadn’t heard from you, you could expect a phone call inquiring why, with her sweet little puppy “Sassy” curled up on the rug at her feet. All the while, spreading her love of the good Lord above to anyone who would listen.

In Katie’s last couple years on this earth, the effects of time wore on her body and mind, and she was no longer able to live alone. Her and Wayne took up residence at Bowling Green Care Center. There, Katie made many friends, and enriched many lives,whether she knew it or not. Always trying to help someone, you could find her singing for groups of people at a moments notice. Even though her memory may not have been as keen as it had once been, the sparkle in her eye and the love in her heart and smile never dwindled until her last breath.

Katie was never a wealthy woman, but if you needed something she had, it was yours.Whether she needed it, or not. Hugs were common, and I love you’s were overused.Her legacy will live on in her family, and her presence will truly be missed by all who love her.

Katie’s memory and lessons of love and life will live on forever in the hearts of those she leaves behind. Eldon and Katie are survived by their children, Jack (Sandra) Hensley of Risingsun, Paulette Andrich of North Baltimore, Mark (Kathy) Garner of Gibsonburg,John (Theresa) Garner of Jerry City, Judy (Vernon) Wall Ponca City, OK, Kenneth(Kimberly) Garner of Wayne, Lenora (Dale Comer) Garner of Newcastle, WY, Carl Garner of Bradner and Neal (Tammy) Garner of Bradner; 32 grandchildren; 69 great grandchildren; 27 great great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Katie was ushered into paradise by her husband of 70 years Eldon “Wayne” Garner,and met by her mom and dad; sisters, Geneva Sparks, Hazel L. Garner, and Leona Hensley; and grandchildren, Mark L. Garner, Jack Hensley Jr., John Garner Jr. & Christle Stahl.

Visitation will be Friday, November 29, 2019, 2-4 & 6-8 p.m., at the Herman-Veh Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Gibsonburg where Funeral Services will be Saturday, November 30, 11 a.m.  Rev. Rick Pelfrey will officiate.  Burial will follow at Quinshan Cemetery, Gibsonburg.

Memorial donations may be directed to Heartland Hospice, Perrysburg.