MaryEanes Garven

GARVEN
MaryEanes Garven passed away and was reunited with her beloved husband on May 4, 2012.The only child of Dewey L. Bowden and Eanes B. Brophy, MaryEanes was born on July 8, 1922 in San Antonio Texas. She graduated from Jefferson High School 1940, where she was the Drum Major for the Lasso Drum & Bugle Corp. In 1939 the Lasso's traveled on a whistle stop tour meeting Eleanor Roosevelt at the White House, visiting Congress, then marching at the New York Worlds Fair. Next they met Henry Ford, toured the factory and museum in Dearborn Michigan where she posed atop the 27th millionth Ford. A movie "High School" in 1940 featured the Lasso's, starred Jane Withers and flashed on MaryEanes marching with her baton! After graduation MaryEanes worked for War Assets. May 29, 1953 she married her lifelong love Robert W. "Bill" Garven. They were very active in the social life in San Antonio and traveled frequently to Mexico, driving from San Antonio to Acapulco in 17 hours. In Acapulco they enjoyed swimming, fishing and mingling with the jet set that frequented this city. In 1966 the family moved to California settling in Ventura where Bill Garven was the manager of Barker Brothers furniture store for 20 years.
After Bill's retirement they traveled the country and enjoyed life. Bill passed in 1998 and MaryEanes struggled with some disabilities but nothing would keep her down. She was active up to six months before she passed spending time with her family, church fellowship and friends. In 2011 she was awarded an Honorary Lifetime Member Award by the Lasso Alumni Association for her achievements with the Lassos. Her photo and baton were part of an exhibit at the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum in Austin and now are on permanent display at Jefferson High School. A devoted wife and mother she was known for her love of her children, family, friends and her big heart. She was a fantastic dancer, accomplished cook, homemaker and an extremely beautiful woman who always lit up any room she entered. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Bob Sanders of Ojai and her son and daughter-in-law, Robert W. Garven Jr. and Rose Latourell of Ventura and many dear friends. She will be truly missed by all that knew and loved her. There will be a service at the First United Methodist Church of Ventura on July 28 at 11am. Her ashes will be spread at sea near the Anacapa Island arch to be finally at rest with her beloved husband Bill.