Helen J. Garner, 89, North Manchester, died at 9:59 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, in Timbercrest Senior Living Community, North Manchester.

She was born Sept. 27, 1926, in Akron, Ohio, to Nicholas and Sophia (Archer) Yeager.

Garner married Dr. Warren K. Garner on Dec. 17, 1949. He survives.

She graduated from Springfield Township High School in 1944 and from Manchester College with a bachelor’s degree in 1950. She completed her master’s degree in 1977. She taught elementary education in LaVerne and Clairmont, Calif., Hobart. She taught in the Manchester Community School system for 18 years retiring in 1985. She was a member of Wabash County Retired Teachers Association, North Manchester Shepherds Center and was active in Manchester College Women’s Club. She was a member of First Brethren Church, North Manchester where she was active as a Deaconess, Women’s Missionary Society, Joy Circle where she frequently led Bible studies. She served on the Brethren Church Indiana District Board of Christian Education and three years on the General Conference Executive Committee of the Brethren Church. She loved theatre and music, athletic events, cross stitching and word games.

Additional survivors include her sons: Dr. Gregory L. (Paula Frantz) Garner, Wabash, and Rev. Timothy P. (Beth Hoover) Garner, Noblesville; four grandchildren: Erica, Adam, Katie and Nick; and great-grandchild: Meiana.

She was preceded in death by three brothers and two sisters.

Visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 28, at McKee Mortuary, 1401 SR 114W, North Manchester and one hour prior to the 11 a.m. service Monday, Feb. 29, at Timbercrest Chapel, 2201 East Street, North Manchester. Pastor Ron Burns will officiate and burial will be in Pleasant Hill Cemtery, North Manchester.

Memorials may be directed to the William K & Helen J. Garner Teacher of the Year Fund, Manchester University, 604 College Ave., North Manchester, IN 46962 or First Brethren Church, 407 N. Sycamore St., North Manchester, IN 46962.