Born Aug. 19, 1916, in Douglas County Gara Newell Loftin, the daughter of Marion William Graham and Elpha (Exline) Graham, was born Aug. 19, 1916, in Douglas County, and departed this life Feb. 28, 2006, at the age of 89.
Gara Newell Graham and Albert Russell Loftin were united in marriage on Dec. 24, 1936. Albert and Gara farmed in the Sweden community from their marriage until 1967 when they moved to the current home place a few miles east of Ava.
Gara continued to maintain her home there until her death. She was devoted to her family, spending the last two years with her daughters, Shirley Elaine Kirby and Earlene Chamberlain, as they battled terminal illnesses. Since October 2005, Gara spent time with daughters, Ineta Gann and Darlene Jenkins. Most recently Gara enjoyed her time with Ineta in El Dorado Springs, where she was cared for with love and devotion as her health gradually declined.
Gara was a homemaker and was employed in the Ava School District as a cook for many years. She loved gardening, cooking, quilting, and embroidery needlework. Gara maintained close connections with family and friends, spending countless hours on the phone reminiscing about the good times of their lives, celebrating their joys and triumphs, and loving them through the difficulties of life.
For many years Gara was a member of the New Hope Baptist Church, where Albert served as a deacon. In later years she enjoyed attending Star Chapel when her health permitted. Gara’s steadfast faith in Jesus Christ provided hope and confidence of Eternal Life.
Gara was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters, her husband, Albert, two infant sons and two daughters, Shirley Elaine Kirby and Earlene Chamberlain.
She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Ineta Gann, Harwood, Mo., and Mrs. Darlene Jenkins and husband, David, Wildwood, Mo.; 16 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; 23 great-great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Services were held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 4, at the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Ava, with the Rev. Marvin Loftin officiating. Interment followed in the Loftin Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Loftin Cemetery.
