Myrtle Marie Garner

Myrtle Marie Garner, 97, of Jefferson City, Missouri, passed away peacefully in her home on March 11, 2026.

Born on January 15, 1929, in McDowell, Missouri, to Earl and Arah Starnes, Myrtle grew up in southeast Missouri and carried the values of hard work, kindness, and deep devotion to family throughout her life. She found joy in quilting and cooking, and her faith in Jesus remained the steady center of her heart.

She shared 61 loving years of marriage with William “Bill” Garner until his passing in 2011. Their life together stood as a quiet testament to dedication, partnership, and enduring love.

For many years, Myrtle served as head cook in the local school system, where she took pride in nourishing generations of students. Beyond the meals she prepared, she was remembered for her warm smile and the genuine care she extended to everyone she met.

Myrtle is survived by her granddaughter Jessica Garner, her sisters Connie Fintell, Georgia Vickers, and Lena Frazier, and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Bill, and her son Robbie Garner.