The Superior Express -

Letha Joy (Modlin) Garst died Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021 at the Jewell County Hospital, Mankato, Kan., at the age of 89. Letha was born to Hugh and Ethel (Loomis) Modlin on Aug. 21, 1932, in Otego, Kan.

On Nov. 8, 1950, Letha Joy Modlin was united in marriage to James Franklin Garst. They celebrated 70 years of marriage this past November. To this union, two beautiful children were born, daughter, Teresa Anne Garst, and son, Randy Stewart Garst.

Letha operated a daycare out of their home for many children in the Jewell County community. She also distributed the Salina Journal newspaper for many years to community members.

Letha was a member of the First Baptist Church, Mankato, and also the American Legion Auxiliary of Scandia.

Letha enjoyed playing card games, especially Rummy. She was a great cook and enjoyed baking. She liked to do word searches, put puzzles together and polka dancing; but most of all, she enjoyed time with her family and friends.

Letha is survived by brother, Fred Modlin (Joyce) of Inman, Kan.; sister-in-law, Shirley Hancock of Lakewood, Colo.; brother-in-law, Paul Garst (Darlene) of Mankato; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh and Ethel Modlin; husband, James Franklin Garst; daughter, Teresa Anne Garst; son, Randy Stewart Garst; sisters, Phyllis (Modlin) O'Brian, and Carol (Modlin) Garst; brothers, Douglas and Curtis Modlin.

Her funeral was held at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, at the First Baptist Church, Mankato, with Pastor Kevin Wood officiating. Lunch followed the service, with burial at Riverview Cemetery, Scandia, Kan.

Memorial contributions may be given to Letha Joy Garst Memorial Fund in care of Melby Mortuary, PO Box 384, Mankato, Kan. 66956.

Melby Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.