JACKSONBURG- Marlene Ann Garard, 89, passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loved ones on Saturday evening March 22, 2025.  A daughter of the late Glen and Forrest B. (Millikin) Ford, Marlene was born in Millville, Henry County, Indiana on May 22, 1935.  She grew up in Cambridge City and graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1954.  Marlene eloped and married the love of her life, Jerry Dale Garard, in Vermillion County, Indiana on December 26, 1953.  After graduating from high school, she let her family know of her marriage and the newlyweds would eventually make their home in Jacksonburg where they raised six wonderful children.  Marlene was a member of the Jacksonburg Christian Church and the Harrison Township Home Economics Club.  She was a devoted wife and loving mother who loved the time spent with her children and grandchildren.  She enjoyed camping with her children and grandkids, listening to music, traveling and vacationing in Michigan.   In retirement, Marlene and Jerry spent several years in Gulfport, Mississippi before making their retirement home in Lake City Michigan.  She will be missed by all who knew her.

Survivors include her 6 children, Teresa Garard, Keith (Carol) Garard, David (Lori) Garard, Melinda Herbert, Mark (Dana) Garard, Nila (Carl) Clark; 11 grandchildren, Darlene Cook, Michelle Craft, Melanie Berger, Eric Garard, Courtney Garard, Matthew Garard, Megan Lueken, Cody Herbert, Clay Clark, Morgan Clark, and Noah Clark; 1 step grandchild, Kadie Abbott; 22 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; and 4 step great grandchildren.

Marlene was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-four years, Jerry Garard, on October 13, 2017; and her fifteen-year-old sister, Elaine Ford in 1947.

Private Graveside Services officiated by Gary Snowden will be held at Jacksonburg Cemetery.   Marshall & Erlewein Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.