Marlys Ann Garcia

GARCIA,
Marlys Ann
(Age 76)

"God could wait no longer, the World needed a new beautiful Guardian Angel and asked Marlys's permission to join him
on 26 April 2011."

Husband, Gerald, sons Steve and Scott, along with daughter Maura Lia, all agreed to let Marlys sit beside our Lord this day.

Marlys was born on 1 January, (her birthday this year was on 1-1-11 ) to Frank and Arla Lippsmeyer in Rochester, MN as a third grand- daughter. Aunt Mae stayed with the family to assist and loved taking care of Marlys Ann. Marlys joined Girl Scout Troop #18 in St. Cloud as a young 5th grader, with cousin Coleen Johnson, Jean Ann Goettren, Virgie Popp, Mary Ann Juenemann, and other American Ladies throughout the U.S.A. All the members of that Troop still corresponded with each other. Yearly notices were sent to each active member and it was in 1949, the entire Troop # 18, departed St. Cloud for Milwaukee WI to the National Girl Scout Convention and was well reported by the "The St. Cloud Daily Times" on 15 May 1952. Troop #18 still has "reunions" meeting throughout our great U.S.A. The Troop also visited California during early 2002, however Marlys was hospitalized at that time, and unable to attend.

Marlys attended and graduated from both Cathedral High School and attended Nursing School at St. Catherine's. She received excellent grades, but her polio damaged muscles were giving her trouble. After a year of studying and after an examination; she learned that so many of her muscles had been damaged, there was no way she could continue the difficult work of a Nurse. Returning to St. Cloud, she rested and attended St. Cloud State University and earned her Minnesota Teaching Credential. Employed as a 4th Grade Teacher at St. John's Elementary School, St. Cloud, Marlys worked with gifted students numbering in the sixty eight students per class.

"She never boasted nor bragged or tried to impress!"

During Spring Break 1957, Marlys and her girlfriends drove to visit/ examine and enjoy California for the first time. Obtaining a part time job in San Francisco; Marlys and friends, Sue and Betty, enjoyed the excitement of temporary "true city living" in the Bay-area.

On one, "City of Oakland tour", Marlys and Sue, were met by a local gentleman, introducing himself as Gerald. Marlys immediately replied, telling her lady friends, "he looks protective enough for us both". We continued to date, chat, dance, and court, in a loving manner. Marlys returned to St. Cloud to resume teaching and during Christmas break, returned to California for a quick vacation. Meeting Gerald at the Oakland Airport, the courting continued, until Christmas Day, 1957. A car trip to a Wedding Ceremony in Reno, NV took place on 29 December 1957. On return to the Bay-area, a Catholic Church marriage was conducted on 3 January 1958.

Moving to Richmond, CA, Marlys and Gerald honeymooned in nearby country Mexico and Southern California. Marlys then resumed teaching classes at Tara Hills Elementary School in Richmond, CA. She was instrumental in consolidating various programs at this young elementary school, which benefited some six classes of students in the K-5 grade level.

Gerald, as a soldier, was transferred and of course Marlys followed the military to Gerald's new duty assignment. Obtaining a part time job at the new school; Marlys continued teaching as the family was growing with the birth of sons: Steve, Scott, David and daughter Maura Lia.

During the early sixties, Marlys established a Selective Secretary School. During 1964, the rioting crowds in the Bay-area, crowded the entire streets, surrounded Marlys's automobile and continued to "rock the car" for some 15 minutes, until Berkeley Police dispersed the angry crowd of demonstrators, permitting her auto to continue on her way.

It was during 1966, Marlys was considering enlisting in the United States Army Reserve Medical Service as a Second Lieutenant. However, during the process, young Steve (age 7) was hospitalized and Marlys declined her Army commission.

Again the Army relocated the family; Marlys and Maura Lia followed the military movement. It was this time her husband, Gerald, was promoted to Warrant Officer and Marlys actually pinned her 36 year old husband with his new Army Warrant Officer Bars, at the Presidio of San Francisco, CA.

Serving with military pride and patriotism, Marlys was retired from the United States Army during May 1994 with Full Military Honors, during ceremonies conducted through Fort Bragg North Carolina at the 364th Civil Affairs Brigade, Portland Oregon. Marlys received "The U.S. Army Certificate of Retirement" signed by General Gordon R. Sullivan, United States Army, Chief of Staff on 23 May 1994. The same day, Marlys was permitted to pin husband Gerald with the prestigious "The Legion of Merit" signed by Lt. General J. T. Scott and authorized by Secretary of the Army, TOJO D. West, under the orders of President William Clinton, Command in Chief.

Her devoted children, will honor and cherish her memory forever. Her teachings of life will live on in our daily lives, as indicated by daughter, Maura Lia.

"Marlys was a wonderful woman because she me guided me
into a most generous individual in this world and I know
it seems those kind of people run together in life!"

Marlys was preceded in death by son, David Craig Garcia on 2 September 2003.

Marlys is survived by her husband, Gerald (CoachJerry9) of Spokane; sons: Steven (and wife Laurie) of Spokane, Scott of Little Rock, CA, daughter, Maura Lia of Spokane; brothers Mark Lippsmeyer and Jon Lippsmeyer of Sacramento, CA. Granddaughters: Terah Jade Garcia of Portland, Randi Alexis of Spokane; grandson Kyle S. Garcia of Spokane; granddaughter Kathleen Taylor Garcia of Simi Valley, CA, grandson Scott Garcia, Jr. of Simi Valley, CA. Great-granddaughters Harmony Garcia, Rubi Rae Garcia both of Spokane, WA and yet to be born, a young male, Mannix G. to granddaughter Terah Jade; along with numerous nieces and nephews, located in California, Tennessee, Missouri, Oregon, Texas, Minnesota and New Mexico.

A Marlys Memorial Service with a special DVD presentation and a Celebration of Life, was enjoyed by all on 28 April 11 at Sherman - Knapp Funeral Home, Newport, WA.

"Marlys's story will be added to more in the coming years, as there
is so much to tell...a tremendous lady, girlfriend, wife, teacher, mother and grandmother...and the only love I ever had!"

Marlys Ann Garcia's Full Military Funeral Honors Burial will take place on 6 May 2011 at 2:00 PM at the Sacramento Valley Veterans National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road, Dixon, CA 95620. (Telephone: 707-693-2460)