Mary Alice Garrison

Mary Alice Garrison, age 97, of Grass Valley, California, formerly of Lamar, passed away Sunday, November 6, 2016.      Mary Alice was born April 18, 1919, in Lamar, first of the three children of Melvin and Veda (Smith) Simms.  She grew up on the family farm in barton County and graduated from Lamar High School in the class of 1937.      On October 4, 1942, at Lamar, Mary Alice married her high school sweetheart, Raymond “Tuffy” Garrison.  Soon after, they moved to Oakland, California where they raised their two children, Dennis and Jane.  In Oakland, Mary Alice was a leader for her church’s youth group, the Boy Scouts and the Girl Scouts.  Her natural talent as a seamstress and interest in fashion led her to a 26-year career in a dress shop.  She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, gardening and painting, but above all, she loved her family and cared deeply for her friends.  In 1982, Mary and Tuffy moved to Nevada City, California to be closer to family.      After sharing more than 65 years together, Tuffy preceded Mary Alice in death February 28, 2008.  She was also preceded by her parents; her daughter, Jane Santos; and her brother, Kenny Simms.      Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Dennis and Louise Garrison of Nevada City; her sister, Shorty Godfrey of Lamar; grandsons, Scott and Cody Garrison and Christian Santos; four great-grandchildren; two nieces, Gayle Lynn (Tom) Robberson and Saundra (Leroy) Chadd; and two nephews, Ken Godfrey and Gordy (Luella) Godfrey.      A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 18 at Daniel Funeral Home with Dr. Mark Turnbough officiating.  Burial will be in Lake Cemetery.