Elsie M Garber, 92, passed away peacefully July 3, 2010 after a brief illness at the Wellsville Manor Care Center in Wellsville, NY.

She was born July 4, 1917 in Mansfield, OH the daughter of Guy H France and Lucile (Bumpus) France.  Elsie was a lifetime resident of Mansfield, OH moving to NY in February 2004 where her son resided.  She was married to Roger Lomax (first husband) and Alpheus Garber (second husband) both of whom preceded her.  She was also preceded by her brother James France and her third son Richard E Lomax.

Elsie was a loving young mother of two, and pregnant with a third, when her first husband was taken in an industrial accident.  With only a high school education and no means of support she faced the difficult years immediately following World War II.  She never spoke of the difficult times and her children didn’t know the family had financial difficulties-they only knew a happy childhood with a wonderful Mother.   

She retired from the Rehabilitation Center of North Central Ohio as office manager.  Elsie attended Grace Episcopal Church and was an avid card player and active in the Mansfield Federation of Women.

She is survived by two sons, James A Lomax of Shepherd, MT and William H Lomax of Middlesex, NY three step daughters Judy Mielke of Tucson, AZ, Barbra Lomax of Shepherd, MT and Marilyn Gunn of Groveport, OH.  She is also survived by 5 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 31, 2010 at Grace Episcopal Church, 41 Bowman Street, Mansfield, conducted by Rector Emeritus David Sipes.  Friends may visit from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.  Burial will follow in Mansfield Cemetery.  Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family of Mrs. Garber.  For online guest registry, please click on the link above.