Karen S. Garmatter, 79, of Rawson entered into the presence of her heavenly Savior on December 29, 2021 at 6:13 p.m. at Bridge Hospice Care Center, Findlay. She was born August 6, 1942 in Bluffton, Ohio to the late Byron and Helen (Cook) Anderson. On March 29, 1963 she married Marvin Garmatter and they have lived on the same farm all of their married life.
Karen was a 1960 graduate of Bluffton High School and attended Northwestern School of Commerce, Lima. She worked at the Lima Citizen Newspaper and Ex-Cello Corp. before becoming a full-time Mom. Karen was a life member of Ebenezer Mennonite Church and for more than 30 years she taught Sunday school and had served as a co-chairperson of the Missions committee for several years. After her children were in school she worked as an associate at J.C. Penney of Findlay and was the accounts payable secretary for Findlay Equipment. Karen retired in 2008 from Bluffton University as an administrative assistant in the public relations office where she served for 17 years. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren's school activities, music and sporting events. She also enjoyed quilting, reading, sewing, knitting, crocheting and spending time with church friends and neighbors. Karen volunteered at the Et Cetera Shop in Bluffton, and was also a member of the Sand Seepers Farm Bureau Council.
Survivors include her husband of 58 years, Marvin Garmatter of Rawson; three children, Janet (Scott) Howder of Springfield, Alan (Sharon) Garmatter of Rawson; David (Channan) Garmatter of Rawson; a daughter-in-law, Anne Garmatter of Perrysburg; seventeen grandchildren, Benjamin (Abby), Rebecca, Elijah, Josiah, Abraham, Ezekiel, Gideon and Hadassah Howder, Christina (Nick), Jessica, Alissa and Jeremiah Garmatter, Noah and Rachel Garmatter and Riley, Allison and Wilson Garmatter; five great-grandchildren and one on the way; and a sister, Connie Anderson of Bluffton.
Karen was preceded in death by her parents and a son, James Garmatter.
Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 3, 2022 at Ebenezer Mennonite Church, Bluffton. Burial will take place in Ebenezer Mennonite Cemetery following the service. Visitation will be Monday from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Ebenezer Mennonite Church Missions Fund.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
