Fern Lorraine (Fuller) Garrett

Fern Lorraine (Fuller) Garrett, daughter of the late Benjamin Franklin Fuller and Lou Edna (Case) Fuller, was born May 27, 1937, in Waynesville, Missouri. As a young girl, she attended “West School” in the Waynesville School District. As a young woman, Fern met a young GI by the name of George Lee Garrett that was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood. He started attending Gospel Ridge Church with his platoon, which happened to be the same church that Fern attended. After that first meeting, their story began, and they were united in marriage on October 8, 1955. They shared several wonderful years together and were blessed with four children: Janet, Sandy, Ron, and Sharon, before George preceded Fern in death in 1984. Most of her working years, Fern was able to stay at home and raise her family and take care of the household. Later in life, she worked for Head Start as a bus aide before retiring. In her spare time, Fern enjoyed shopping with her family and on every occasion, she had to buy herself a new purse. She also liked eating out with her friends, especially with her dearest friend Betty McClain. She enjoyed being outdoors and particularly going with her family on country drives. She also loved to cheer on the St. Louis Cardinals, watch Food Network, and RFD TV shows. One thing she enjoyed the most was sitting down with her grandkids and telling them stories about her childhood. Fern had made an important decision early in her life to accept Jesus Christ as her Savior. Her faith was very important to her, and it was evident in her life. She was a member of the Westside Baptist Church of Waynesville from 1987 to present, and a member of the Women on a Mission at Westside Baptist Church. In her early married years, she taught 2-year-old Sunday School class, sang in the choir, and worked in Awana Club. Fern believed it was important to tell others about her faith and everywhere she went she would ask “Are you a Christian?” or “Do you go to church anywhere?”. She truly let her light shine everywhere she went. Fern went home to be with her Lord Tuesday, October 18, 2022, in the Mercy Hospital of Lebanon, Missouri having attained the age of 85 years. She will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those that knew and loved her. Fern leaves to cherish her memory, her four children: Janet Crain (Gary) of Gladstone, MO, Sandy Merrill (Ken) of Waynesville, MO, Ron Garrett (Karen) of Peculiar, MO, and Sharon Welch (Jody) of Nixa, MO; eleven grandchildren: Ben Crain (Abigail) of Smithville, MO, Andrew Crain (Diane) of Kansas City, MO, Melissa Ward (Charlie) of Kansas City, MO, Mandy Garrett of Peculiar, MO, Sheyenne Welch of Nixa, MO, Kenton Merrill of St. Louis, MO, Brooklyn Garrett of Peculiar, MO, Brittany Garrett, of Peculiar, MO, Brandon Garrett of Peculiar, MO, SGT Josiah Welch of Anchorage, AK, and Sierra Welch of Nixa, MO; six great grandchildren: Adelynne Ward, Grace Crain, Will Ward, Eddie Crain, Calvin Crain, and Caroline Crain; special niece: Shirlena Bolen of Lebanon, MO; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Fern was preceded in death by three brothers: Norman Fuller, Melvin Fuller, and Bernie Fuller; and one sister: Opal Shelden. Funeral services were held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, October 21, 2022 in the Westside Baptist Church of Waynesville with Pastor John Shaw officiating. Rev. Lindell Shelden recalled his wonderful memories of Fern and led the congregation in singing "How Great Thou Art" and "Amazing Grace". The song "Goodness of God" by CeCe Winans was played and Fern's granddaughters: Sheyenne and Sierra Welch also gave a beautiful eulogy for their grandmother. Serving as escorts were SGT Josiah Welch, Kenton Merrill, Benjamin Crain, Andrew Crain, Richie Shelden, and Bruce Martin. Burial followed in the Dunkard Cemetery of St. Robert, MO. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Fern Garrett to the Westside Baptist Church and may be left at Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville/St. Robert or at the church.

Fern Lorraine (Fuller) Garrett

May 27, 1937 - October 18, 2022