Caroline Garner, 89

Private Family Celebration of Life Services for Caroline Garner, age 89, of Clearfield, Iowa, who passed away Monday, November 30, 2020 at the Clearview Home in Mount Ayr, Iowa was held. Open visitation was held Wednesday at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Lenox from 2 to 6 PM. Memorials be directed to the Lenox United Presbyterian Church. Memories may be shared with the family at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox where we ‘Celebrate Life’.
Caroline Cora Callison was born March 16, 1931 to Don and Grace Callison at Story City, Iowa. Caroline entered into rest November 30, 2020, at the Clearview Home in Mt. Ayr, Iowa at the age of 89. Caroline’s father (Don) was a Methodist minister, which guided their path of life to settle in several Iowa locations, which included Newton, Altoona, Allerton, and Clearfield.
Caroline learned all the books of the bible, which was put into a song when she was a child. She continued singing this song growing up and would still recite it when she was in the nursing home. Caroline taught Sunday School, and at that time she gave her heart to God.
In 1948, Caroline was married to Paul Nelson of Clearfield. They raised four children: Judy, Jim, Jeanie, and Kenny. Caroline’s world was and always continued to be her children and grandchildren. She loved her family so much. During those years, Caroline raised chickens and sold eggs. She would dress around 300 chickens every summer. She also every summer put in a huge garden growing lots of fresh vegetables.
Caroline worked at the Stringtown Cafe when her brother (George) owned it, as well as cooked at Congregate Meals in Clearfield, Junction Cafe in Bedford, and O’Hares in Bedford. Her job was making pies and salads. Caroline was always known for her delicious pies.
Cookouts were held often with special friends. Sunday night suppers with her children and grandchildren were a weekly tradition for many years. Caroline loved Christmas and would send close to 150 cards to friends and family. She loved to play cards, board games, and watch TV game shows. She belonged to The 17 Club and The PFF Club (Purely For Fun Club).
In 1986, Caroline and Paul divorced. February 21, 1988 was a special day as she married Hank Garner of Bedford. A special ceremony was held at Hank’s sister’s home in Shenandoah, Iowa. Caroline was blessed with many family members on Hank’s side. She loved them all.
Caroline and Hank loved each other so much and cherished each and every day. They lived in Lenox for a few years; then, moved to Bedford until Hank retired. They made a final move to Clearfield where they lived until they moved into the Clearview Homes in Clearfield and later Mt. Ayr.
Caroline and Hank enjoyed camping and traveling, especially to Branson and Bagnell Dam. They played bingo nearly every week in Bedford. After they moved to Clearfield, the Windrow Restaurant in Creston became an almost daily trip for them to dine. They became close to many of the employees there.
Caroline and Hank attended the Presbyterian Church in Lenox. Minister Tim Maxa became so special to them. They loved Tim and loved visiting with him at church and at their home when Tim would visit them.
Caroline was such a kind mother – grandmother – wife – and friend. She cherished all of her family and loved spending time with them. She will be missed by so many.
Caroline was preceded in death by her loving husband, Hank Garner on December 25, 2019; parents (Don and Grace Callison), sister(Gracemary Beck), two brothers (Don and Jack Callison), grandson (Chad Larson), and great grandson (Ethan James Nelson).
Caroline is survived by: a brother, George Callison of Creston; four children Judy (Steve) Sandahl of Waukee, Jim Nelson of Ankeny, Jeanie (Greg) Larson of Clearfield, Kenny (Chong) Nelson of Osceola; eleven grandchildren Scott (Lori) Sandahl of St. Marys, Shannon Sandahl of Waukee, Ryan (Laura) Sandahl of Illinois, Shawn (Tyler) Sandahl of Minnesota, Dana (Eric) Snyder of Grimes, Dan (Shannon) Nelson of Ankeny, Angie (Garrick) Miller of Clearfield, Brandon (Debbie) Larson of Clearfield, Jennifer (Rowdy) Dymond of Bedford, LaDanya Nelson of Lenox, Ashley (Seth) Schafer of Texas; as well as great grandchildren, one great great-grandson, other relatives, and many friends.
Many thanks to the staff at Clearview Homes.
God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn her loss