CarolJean Garland of Grand Island, NE, passed away on July 23, 2022 after a lengthy battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She was 78 years old. CarolJean was born in Valentine on August 12, 1943 and was the youngest of 2 daughters born to Wayne and Mary Lou Woods.
CarolJean attended Littleburg Elementary School, where her father was the teacher. She graduated in 1961 from Valentine High School. She was attending Lincoln School of Commerce when she met Jerry Garland. After a short courtship, the couple married on November 11, 1962. To this marriage they were blessed with 3 children: David, Steve and Marcia.
After living in various places, they moved to Valentine in 1973 where they stayed until 1985. After leaving Valentine they resided in several locations before settling in Grand Island so they could be closer to their daughter, Marci and her family.
CarolJean loved that she was able to be a stay-at-home mom and homemaker. In her spare time she enjoyed baking, sewing clothes for her family and quilting. She and her good friend, Linda Jordan, embarked on a small wallpapering and painting business for several years in Valentine. She also followed her mother’s footsteps and was a 50 year member of Eastern Star at the Masonic Temple in Valentine.
She was preceded in death by her son David and her parents Wayne and MaryLou.
She is survived by her husband Jerry of Grand Island, son Steve (Kimberly Merlino) of Simpsonville, KY, daughter Marci (Bob Earll) of Grand Island; 5 grandchildren, Jake Garland (Jennifer) of Princeton TX, Ross Garland (Lauren) of Omaha, Kaylee Garland of Minneapolis, Alex Earll (girlfriend Gabby) of Wanaka New Zealand, Katie Niss (Kent) of Pawnee City; 7 great grandchildren, Jinjer, Jiana (Jake’s), Sean, Willow, Jack (Ross’s), Eleanor and Roseanne (Katie’s); her sister Barb Scallan of West Monroe, LA; and a host of nieces and nephews and their families.
Funeral service, officiated by Pastor Scott McClellen will be graveside only at Mount Hope Cemetery in Valentine on Saturday, July 30th, at 11:00AM. A small gathering and luncheon will be held at the Masonic Temple following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be sent to “The Order of Eastern Star” in Valentine.