Garnet G. Mallery

Garnet Mallery passed away in Phoenix, Arizona, on November 15, 2025, at the age of 95. She was born in Mankato, Minnesota, on July 16, 1930, to Otto and Elizabeth Guentzel. Garnet, who was raised on her family's farm during the Great Depression, began piano lessons at the age of four. Music became the defining thread of her life.
Garnet graduated from Mankato High School in 1948 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from Mankato State Teachers College in 1952. She continued her education at the University of Arizona, where she received a Master of Music in Piano Performance in 1954.
While serving as the organist at Mountain View Presbyterian Church in Tucson, Garnet met her future husband, Hal Mallery, who was singing in the choir. They were married on June 13, 1953, one year after they met. Hal was her soulmate and partner in life for more than 65 years.
Garnet enjoyed a long career as a music teacher, pianist, and organist. Garnet and Hal worked together as the organist and choir director at Covina United Methodist Church in Covina, California, for 11 years. She also taught at the community college level in both California and Arizona and maintained a private teaching studio for many decades. She inspired countless students with her high standards, gentle encouragement, and deep respect for the music she loved. Garnet was an Associate of the American Guild of Organists and served as Dean of the Pasadena, California, chapter. She was an active member of the Phoenix Music Teachers Association. She was recognized as the Arizona State Music Teachers Association's Honored Teacher of the Year in 2006.
Garnet was equally devoted to her family. Hal and Garnet built a loving home together and raised three children, who were their pride and joy. They took their children on yearly vacations while they were young, which created many happy memories. Garnet and Hal also traveled extensively across the world and visited Europe, Iceland, Greenland, the Panama Canal, Tahiti, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, and Canada. One of the greatest pleasures of Garnet's later life was being a grandmother to her three grandchildren. She was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, and she will be greatly missed.
Garnet is survived by her sons, Paul and Kurt; her daughter, Denise (Eric) Stanford; and her grandchildren, Blake Mallery, Greg Stanford, and Julianne (John) Leinenveber. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hal; her parents, Otto and Elizabeth Guentzel; and her siblings, Otto "Jack" Guentzel Jr. and Margaret Dahle.
A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 12, 2025, at Hansen Mortuary Chapel, 8314 N. 7th Street in Phoenix, Arizona.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Garnet's name to the Phoenix Music Teachers Association Scholarship Fund at https://phoenixmusicteachers.org/.
Live Stream Link: https://vimeo.com/event/5543058
Recorded Video Link: https://vimeo.com/1140190510