BARBARA ELLEN (ACKERMAN) GARWICK , Many friends and relatives were grieved to learn of the passing of Mrs. C. P. Garwick, at the home of her daughter in Milledgeville Friday, Nov. 1. Her illness covered a period of one and a half years, and when an operation was thought necessary for her recovery, she submitted with characteristic bravery, hoping that thus she might be spared for further service to those she loved. It was not so to be, and in her last days she was ever cheerful and thoughtful of those about her Barbara Ellen Ackerman was born near Dixon, Ill., Aug 18, 1859. Seventy years were lived in the vicinity of Coleta, where she was known and loved by everyone. December 18, 1877, she was united in marriage to Charles Phillip Garwick. For a number of years they lived on his father’s farm, afterward moving to Coleta, which has been the home for thirty-six years. Four children were born to them, Elizabeth Overholser of Milledgeville, Jacob and Lettie of Coleta, and one child, who died in infancy. Besides these there were in the home two nieces, Elizabeth and Clara Ackerman, who were given a mother’s love and care for a number of years. These children, with their father and five grandchildren and three great grandchildren can truly “rise up and call her blessed.” Constant devotion and care were given by them to help ease the pain of her long illness, and the mother was always cheered by the presence of her loved family. Especially is this true of her daughter Lettie in the home, who was ever her mother’s steadfast companion. One brother, Christian Ackerman of Milledgeville, survives, two brothers, Charles and Randolfe preceding her in death, a half sister, Mrs. Martha Wayman, lives in Madison, Wisconsin. Mrs. Garwick was a member of the Lutheran church from childhood. When she became a resident of Coleta she united with the Methodist Episcopal church. Her religion was lived each day in her family and among her neighbors with a quiet devotion, to all, that was kind and just and helpful. Those in sorrow or distress found in Mrs. Garwick a wise and willing comforter. Her home was beautiful because she made it so with a wealth of love and wisdom and kindness. Here she preferred to be with her husband, her children, and her friends about her, and here will her influence be greatly missed. A long period of life, as was Mrs. Garwick’s lived with such earnest devotion to all that is best for home and church and community, leaves an inheritance which is priceless. While she is sadly missed, a host of friends can sincerely say that the world is richer because she has lived. A large concourse of friends and relatives attended the funeral services of Mrs. Gawick. which were held at the M. E. church at two o’clock Monday afternoon. They were conducted by Rev. B. C. Halloway, pastor of the M. E. church at Milledgeville, assisted by Rev. B. R. Foltz, pastor of the Grove street U. B. church and Rev. G. P. Ventura, pastor of the Christian church. Appropriate selections were sung by Mrs. Ray Freas of Milledgeville with Mrs. Gladys Wolber at the piano. The floral tributes were rare in beauty and profusion, and were numerous, covering a large portion of the church Rostrum. Attending the casket were C. M. Peugh, Bert Lenhart, G. A. Wink, C. W. Deets, F. R. Overholser and John Eckel. Interment was in the Bethel cemetery.
Contributed by Larry Reynolds - The Sterling Daily Gazette, November 6, 1929, page 14, column 5