Betty Garn, 97

Betty Lou Thompson (Clark) Garn, age 97, was born December 27, 1920 in Buchanan, Michigan, and died on Tuesday, April 10, 2018 in San Diego, California. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Thompson and Pleasant Smith Burge, Stepfather, Kenneth R. Burge, husbands, Richard H. Strong, James L. Clark, Jr., and Edward A. Garn, sisters, Barbara Ann Thompson Ward and Audrey Burge Cunningham, brother, Kenneth Burge, and brother-in-law, Daniel Ward. A proud mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Betty is survived by her son, James L. Clark, III and daughter-in-law, Elaine, granddaughter, Erin Clark and husband, Cole Ashmore, grandson, Neal Clark, and great-grandson, Holden Ashmore. She is also survived by nieces and nephews including Ann Ward Morgan and husband, Gary, Patricia Ward DeKoff and husband, John, Barbara Ward Buskirk, and Mike Ward and wife, Norma. A nearly lifelong resident of Michigan, Betty worked at the Studebaker plant as part of the war effort during World War II. She also worked at the Simplicity Pattern factory, and for many years at Three Rivers Hospital. Betty concluded her work career in Three Rivers at Fisher Lake Inn where she served as hostess well into her late eighties. Betty enjoyed sewing, crocheting, horseback riding, golf, and gardening. She loved her many trips to Hawaii and California to visit her son and his family. All three of Betty’s husbands served in the United States Military and were combat veterans.

A private interment will be held in Three Rivers.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s memory to the Gary Sinise Foundation which supports military personnel, families, and veterans.