Mary Sue Garner

Mary Sue Garner (Walker), age 91, passed away on December 20, 2025, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. As slowly as the disease tested her body and determination, in the end, it showed her mercy, taking her quickly and peacefully with her family by her side.

Born on December 8, 1934, in Burlington, Iowa, Mary Sue was known for her love of family, laughter, kindness, and a quick wit that brought smiles and joy to all who knew her.

Mary Sue was an avid sports fan of nearly every sport. She followed her favorite teams and players faithfully, making careful notes each weekend of who was playing, at what time, and on which television channel. A former tennis player herself, she would set her alarm to wake early to watch Wimbledon matches, enthusiastically rooting for "her" player and never hesitating to critique their opponents. College basketball and football were staples, with University of Iowa games never to be missed. On the home front, the Phoenix Suns frustrated her endlessly, but she remained loyal, watching every televised game. In the last text she sent, just hours before her passing, she shared how happy she was to hear that the Diamondbacks were bringing back starting pitcher Merrill Kelly.

Her sense of style and grace was in class all by itself, not stuffy or formal, but cozy, eclectic, warm, and inviting. An amazing cook and baker, she always had a pot on the stove or a warm meal in the oven, along with fresh cookies in the cookie jar available for anyone who stopped over. She was a competitive bridge player in several groups and delighted in those long bridge marathons, especially when she and her partner came out on top.

After graduating from high school in Burlington, Iowa, she attended Drake University in Des Moines, where she met and later married Lowell Roger Garner. The two were married in 1957 and moved to Hartford, Connecticut, where Mary Sue taught school, and Roger worked for Travelers Insurance. When the military called Roger to Camp Pendleton, they relocated to Oceanside, California, where Mary Sue continued teaching at a small elementary school near the beach.

Following Roger's military service, the family returned to Travelers Insurance and settled in West Des Moines, Iowa, with their newborn son, Jim. John and Diane followed soon after. During those years, Mary Sue was an active and devoted mother. serving as a Sunday School teacher, PTA member, High School Booster Club member, and later as a legal assistant. She was also her children's most enthusiastic fan, supporting them through years of baseball, football, basketball, and cheer.

Twenty years later, as empty nesters, Mary Sue and Roger moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Roger opened a regional office for Medical Protective. Upon his retirement in 1999, they relocated permanently to Phoenix, Arizona, where family already resided and others could visit often.

Mary Sue said of her three children shortly before she passed that each one had their own strengths and it meant so much to her that all of them were able to be with her, bringing their own individual qualities to love and support her.

She is survived by her sons, Jim Garner and his wife Angell; John Gamer and his wife Carlina; her daughter, Diane Matise and her husband Mike; her grandsons, Jake Matise and Luke Gamer; and many nieces and nephews. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Mildred Walker, her sister, Jeanne Hazlett, and her beloved husband.

During her treatments, Mary Sue often said that if she had all the money in the world, she would donate it to finding a cure for cancer. If you find yourself at a sporting event where there is a moment to "Stand Up to Cancer" in remembrance of loved ones who fought their own battle, you might think of Mary Sue's name. Then, go on and cheer loudly for your favorite team or player. She will most certainly hear you.

Services are pending.
Riemann Family Funeral Home, Pass Christian, is honored to serve the Garner family.