Emma Jean Garman

Emma Jean Garman, 79, of Winterset, died Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, December 19, at Ochiltree Funeral Service in Winterset. There will be no visitation and burial of the cremated remains will take place at a later date. Memorials in her name may be directed to the family for a later designation and online condolences may be left for the family at ochiltree.com. Emma Jean Thompson, daughter of Leonard and Marian (Pfliger) Thompson, was born November 1, 1936 in McLean County, North Dakota. She grew up in McLean County and married Maynard J. Garman on December 26, 1961 in Glendive, Montana and to this union six children were born. They settled in the Winterset area in 1983 and prior to this, lived in many places, including Audubon. During her working years, Emma Jean did many things…waitress, bartender, factory worker, baker, welder and rancher. For many years, she worked for Local 55 as a certified welder, constructing and maintaining electrical powerlines and substations in various states. She was especially proud of her work as a rancher, raising cattle and horses for many years. She was a member of Union Local 55, the Cattlemen’s Association and was a 4-H Leader when her children were involved. She was very handy and enjoyed woodcrafts, crocheting, knitting, and upholstery and even went trapping with her husband. She would most wish to be remembered as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who raised her children and doted on her grandchildren. She taught them all how to work hard and never give up. Emma Jean is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Maynard Garman of Winterset; six children, Renee (Michael) Timmons of Sumrall, MS, Rudy Garman of Minot, ND, Ricky Garman of Sumrall, MS, Ronnie (Kelly) Garman of Springville, Robin (Michael) Webb of Des Moines, Rhonda (Charlie) Moorehead of Coon Rapids; three brothers, Martin (Myrna) Thompson of Osceola, Tom (Marlys) Thompson of Big Timber, MT, and Terry (Karla) Thompson of Nashua, MT; two sisters, Mary Lou O’Dea of Montana and Donna Peterson of Colorado; sister-in-law, Rosemary Thompson of Winterset; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Jim Thompson.