Helen Elsie Garing

Helen Elsie Garing, 93, of Kentland, left this world at 1:00 am on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, with her family by her side. 

  Helen was born December 22, 1932, near Brook, IN, to the late Bernerd & Elsie (Barten) Bower. She was a 1950 graduate of Goodland High School. Upon graduation, Helen worked as a secretary at Judson Dunaway before becoming a full-time homemaker. Her marriage was to Albert “Buster” Garing on November 28, 1953. They were perfect for each other and enjoyed 67 years of marriage. 

  Helen loved farm life and being a farm wife. She created a secure and comfortable home, welcoming nieces, nephews, and others for short visits and long stays. Helen loved working in her flower garden, which was beautiful. She was an accomplished seamstress and quilter. 

 Helen enjoyed learning and was a 50+ year member of the Grant II Homemakers club. She served as an officer at the local and county levels, including County President. Helen joined S/S Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Goodland as a girl and was a lifelong member. She taught CCD, was a CYO leader, and a member of the Altar and Rosary Society. Helen believed in the three graces and demonstrated this by caring for her elderly parents, family members, and friends who needed support. 

  Surviving are Michael Garing (wife: Sharon) of Summerville, SC, Lynne Di Fabio of Lafayette, Lisa Jefvert (husband: Mark) of Earl Park, and Joseph Garing (wife: Alisa) of Kentland; sister, Alice Hilt (husband: Michael), and sister-in-law, Helen Bower. Helen loved spending time with family, especially her 9 grandchildren, Kimberly, Kristin, Timothy, Andrew, Scott, Megan, Thomas, Brian, and Emily, and her 14 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews. 

  Preceding her in death are Buster and her parents, brother, William Bower, sister, Mary Ann Perkins, and her husband Bill, Gladys White and her husband Gene, and a son-in-law, Paul Di Fabio. 

  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m.(CST)  Saturday, February 7, 2026, at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Kentland; Fr. Sean Aaron to officiate. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to mass at 10 a.m. (CST).  Interment to follow in Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery of Goodland. Lunch will be served at approximately 12:30 p.m. (CST) at St. Joseph School, where we can share our memories of Helen. 

  Should you choose, a Memorial may be made in Helen’s honor to Newton County Extension Homemakers for their annual scholarship fund. A collection box will be provided on the day of the service, or it can be mailed to Alisa Garing at 430 E 1700 S, Kentland, IN 47951 or to Brook Community Meals, PO Box 214, Brook, IN 47922

  Stitz-Clapper Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.  Share memories and online condolences at www.clapperfuneralservices.com