Martha R Garris

In April of 1992 Jack Garris began his journey to the promise land. Since then he has been walking slowly waiting for his dear wife to join him. Martha R. Garris died March 13, 2014, clutching the hands of her two daughters at St. Gabriel's Community. Now she has been reunited with Jack. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 19, 2014, 10:30 AM, at Bismarck Community Church, 1617 Michigan Ave, Bismarck, with Rev. Jared Lee and Dennis Sailor officiating. Burial will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm Tuesday, March 18, at Eastgate Funeral Service, Bismarck. Martha, third youngest of nine children was born on a farm 12 miles west of Streeter, ND, in Kidder County to Gottlieb and Johanna Wittmier Enzminger on July 9, 1926. At the age of nine her mother died. It became Martha's job then to help care for her seven brothers and one sister. Several years later her father married Katherina Bitz, mother of seven. Now the household was really busy and full, demanding even more help from Martha. At this young age she became an expert in the kitchen even though she never used a measuring cup or spoon. She could make any thing made from flour taste great! For the rest of her life she was known for her kuchen, caramel rolls, bread, donuts and long johns. In 1947, she met Jack Garris at her step-sister's home in Sterling, ND. Martha was baking bread at the time. When he smelled that wonderful aroma Jack said, "I'm going to marry that gal!" At the time Martha spoke only German and Jack only spoke English. They were married on February 18, 1948. They lived in Bismarck where Martha continued her cooking and baking and raising their family. Martha was strong willed and a very hard worker. You always knew what she was thinking because she thought out loud and told you exactly what was on her mind. She kept a large garden that filled the root cellar and shelves with all sorts of fruits and vegetables. It was a real treat to go to someone else's home and have a piece of bakery bread or a bowl of Campbell's soup. Later in life she enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, listening to church music and watching television. Martha is survived by her children, seven grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, Ken and Kathie Garris, Trent and Laura Garris and Kristi and Matt Stewart all of Papillion NE; Barb and Rick Patzman, Taya and Tim Johnson, Bismarck, Kim and Josh Ressler, Minot, and Christa and Dustin Brodina, Edinburg, ND; Esther and Pius Roehrich of Menoken; Bob Garris, Megan and Morgan; and Chuck and Debbie Garris, all of Bismarck; Great- grandchildren Taylor and Tanner Garris, Sidney and Connor Ressler, Beau, Parker, Tylie and Ben Brodina. She is also survived by one brother, Elmer Enzminger, Montana, one sister, Naomi Hoffer, Nevada, two sisters-in-laws, Ida and Inez Enzminger, Jamestown, one step sister, Elsie Dixon, Georgia and many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her parents; step-mother; six older brothers; five step-sisters and one step-brother. Rest in peace Mom, you will always hold a special place in our hearts.

Martha R Garris

July 9, 1926 - March 13, 2014