LORETTA “FONTELLA” GARISS

LAMAR- Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Milford Christian Church for Loretta “Fontella” (Chapman) Gariss, 91, Lamar, who died Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, at the Good Shepherd Nursing Home in Lockwood. Graveside interment will follow at Howell Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of Konantz Warden Funeral Home.

Memorial contributions are suggested and made payable to Milford Christian Church Mission Fund, in care of the funeral home.

Condolences may be left online at www.konantzwarden.com.

Survivors include four children, Randy (Julie) Gariss and wife Julie, Joplin, Gwen Ansley and husband Steve, Lamar, Dennis Gariss and wife Nancy, Lamar, and Doug Gariss and wife Derenda, Lamar; 14 grandchildren, and 43 great-grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by her brother, Meredth Chapman and wife Sharon, Lamar; a sister, Ellen Jo Morey, Lamar and several cousins, nieces and nephews whom she dearly loved.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her brother-in-law, Loren Morey and one grandson, Casey Gariss.

Mrs. Gariss was born Nov. 19, 1931, in Lamar, to Ellis and Esther (Willhoite) Chapman, as the oldest of three children. Attending country grade schools in the Milford area, she graduated as the valedictorian of her class of 1949 at Lamar High School. She married Bob Gariss on June 1, 1953, beginning a union that would span over 68 years until his passing on August 24, 2021.

Spending the vast majority of her adult life as a homemaker on the family farm, she was the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman, a true partner to her husband and the anchor of her family. A very bright but humble individual, she was the picture of contentment and generosity. Her front door was always open, her table always had one more seat and she always had time to visit, having literally hosted thousands of people in her home from all walks of life. Her family was a true joy to her and her weekly Sunday lunches were a staple. Her family gatherings grew very large and loud with time and she soaked up every minute of it. Surprisingly competitive at times, even in her modesty, she was always up for a card game with family and friends, and she wasn’t planning on letting you win, no matter your age. She was an exceptional hostess and her sincerity and love for people was authentic.

Mrs. Gariss was baptized and became a Christ follower in her youth and devotedly followed His lead throughout her life. 1st Thessalonians 5:16-18 described her faith perfectly. A lifelong member of the Milford Christian Church, and very active in the Lord’s work, she taught Sunday school and VBS, played the piano and assisted her husband as the church treasurer for decades among countless other tasks within the Milford family, but her greatest work was outside of any “title”. A colossal prayer warrior in every way, her gentle and genuine personality led her to a ministry of prayer and encouragement that would reach innumerable people. Quick to listen and slow to speak, her words were full of wisdom and grace. Over the years one of her favorite pursuits was sending cards and letters to friends and family. Some local, and some around the world, there were very few days her mailbox didn’t have cards for the mailman to pick-up in hopes that her words inside would help someone on the other end. She was a sister, a wife, a mom, a grandma, a friend, a mentor, a counselor and an encourager to all she knew.