Margie Garner

May 29th, 1942-December 3rd, 2024

Margie "Marge" Garner (Morby & Johnson), beloved Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Wife, Businesswoman, friend, and so much more went to Heaven on December 3rd, 2024.

As the eldest daughter of John and Eldora Morby, Marge was born in Culver City, CA on May 29th, 1942, but spent her childhood years in Nebraska. She often spoke fondly of the memories she and her younger siblings, Charlie and Colleen Morby, formed while living there.

In 1953, the Morby family moved to Kennewick, WA, making the Tri-Cities home to several generations. It was here that Marge's sparkling personality was truly polished. She was an active and well-liked student at Kennewick High School.

Marge married young and spent some time living in Ohio and Utah, though she would eventually settle in the Tri-Cities permanently where she raised her children Laura, David Ian, and Kelly Johnson.

While Marge's most incredible pride was motherhood, she was never a fan of domesticity. Her heart was not in activities like cooking or cleaning because her mind was geared toward business. She started as a secretary at Sherwood and Roberts in the late 60s and quickly rose the ranks in corporate America and a male-dominated career. Throughout her long career, she worked as Manager at multiple companies, including Rainier Mortgage, Action Mortgage, and Sterling Savings and Loan, where she eventually retired as the President and Regional Residential Loan Manager.

In 1970, Marge fell in love with Larry Garner, and they remained inseparable until he passed away in early 2024. In their younger years, they loved dancing and socializing with friends. While together, they saw the world, with Australia, Hawai'i, and Mexico being their favorite spots.

Unfortunately, in 2024—after being in remission for 10 years—Marge's cancer returned, and the treatment was the catalyst to her decline. Everyone who loved Marge in her different stages made her life greater. In return, those who loved her lived fuller lives because they were touched by her kindness, fortitude, effortless beauty, and her enduring faith in God.

She is preceded in passing by her parents; her husband, Larry; and her daughter, Kelly Garner (Johnson). Marge is survived by her brother and his wife, Charles and Connie Morby; her sister, Colleen Siebold (Morby); her son, David Ian Johnson; her daughter, Laura Johnson; Laura's daughters, Allegra and Azaria Keys; and a large extended family.

Margie's surviving family extends deep gratitude to Hawthorne Court and the Tri-City Chaplaincy for supporting her in the final chapters of her life.

Flowers may be sent to Mueller's Funeral Home in Kennewick.

Celebration of Life: May 3rd, 2025 at 1pm

Mueller's Tri-Cities Funeral Home (Kennewick)

1401 S. Union St., Kennewick, WA 99338