Gwendolyn R. (Miller) Garber

Gwendolyn R. Garber, 82, of Lowpoint, IL, passed away at 6:45 pm on Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at Carle Health-Methodist Hospital in Peoria, IL.

She was born on September 1, 1943, in Peoria, IL, to Leonard V. and Blanche P. (Kemp) Miller.  She married LeRoy F. Garber on July 21, 1962 in Metamora, IL.

Surviving are her husband, LeRoy of Lowpoint, IL; children, Pam (John) Armstrong of Eureka, IL, Jeremy (Julie) Garber of Weymouth, MA, Rachel (Delbert) Harmon of Springfield, CO, and Aaron (Mandy) Garber of Eureka, IL; twenty grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and siblings, Lynn (Pat) Miller of Erie, CO, and Larry (Suzie) Miller of Arvada, CO; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents and two grandchildren.

Gwen was raised in Oelwein, Iowa. After graduating high school, she moved to central Illinois to care for her grandmother—a decision that not only reflected her servant's heart but also changed the course of her life. It was there that she met LeRoy, and together they built a family and a life marked by faith, hospitality, and love.

For more than 50 years, Gwen poured her heart into baking, blessing countless weddings, birthdays, graduations, and gatherings with her delicious cakes, all topped with her famous frosting. Family and friends alike could count on a beautifully made cake from her kitchen to mark their special moments, and every child and grandchild received a "Grandma cake" for birthdays and celebrations.

Her cooking extended beyond cakes too—her "party potatoes" were often requested at gatherings. Gwen faithfully served for many years at Cazenovia Mennonite Church, where she prepared the fellowship hall for countless dinners and potlucks, always bringing food of her own to share. Her hospitality also filled her home; anyone who came through the front door could expect to be offered food and made to feel welcome.

Above all, Gwen loved her family deeply and showed it through her presence. She was a faithful cheerleader at sporting events, band competitions, and 4-H shows, and she supported her grandchildren in school and countless activities. She lovingly cared for many of them through regular babysitting, creating bonds they cherished as much as she did. Alongside LeRoy, she also devoted years to coordinating the ice cream booth at the Illinois Mennonite Relief Sale, another reflection of her willingness to serve. Gwen's life was one of generosity and devotion—to her family, her church, and her community—and the love she poured out will continue to ripple through the generations she leaves behind.

The family rejoices that she had embraced Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior by faith and is worshiping in His presence now.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Cazenovia Mennonite Church with Reverend Dennis Kennell and Pastor Jeremy Garber officiating.  Visitation will be held from 12:30 pm until service time.  Burial will be in Stewart Harmony Cemetery in Metamora, IL.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Cazenovia Mennonite Church, 1080 County Road 1800 N, Cazenovia, IL 61545.  Online condolences at www.masonfuneralhomes.com.

Cazenovia Mennonite Church
1080 County Road 1800 N, Cazenovia IL 61545