Lela M. Garver

Lela M. Garver, 92, of New Philadelphia, Ohio, formerly a longtime resident of Tuscarawas, Ohio, was called to the more immediate presence of God on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, from Park Village Southside in New Philadelphia, while surrounded by her loving family. Born February 7, 1931 in Akron, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Howard Lee and Gladys Iola (Link) Wertenberger.

Lela was a 1948 graduate of Tuscarawas High School and a lifelong member of Sharon Moravian Church near Tuscarawas. She was a woman of deep faith who served her congregation in many capacities, including as a member of the choir for over 50 years, a Sunday School teacher for 15 years, and as a member of the Moravian Women. She was also a volunteer at the Tuscarawas County YMCA in Dover for more than a decade.

On January 23, 1951, Lela married John Daniel “Dan” Garver who survives her along with their children, Daniel L. (Judy) Garver and Barbara J. (Steven) Carlisle; grandchildren, Steve (Michele) Carlisle, Scott (Patricia) Carlisle, Ben (Mandy) Garver, Matt (Lauren) Garver, and Mitch Garver; great-grandchildren, Cory, Cassidy, Jamie, Zach, and Miles; and many nieces and nephews. The last of her family’s generation, Lela was preceded in death by her brother, Richard Lee Wertenberger; sister, Helen Elliott; and half-sisters, Joyce Summerville and Margaret Simmons, in addition to her parents.

Along with her husband, Lela was the proprietor of Garver Electric and Plumbing since 1960. They also owned Tuscarawas Laundry and Garver Rentals in Tuscarawas for many years.

Pastor Lloyd Gooden will officiate a 1:00 p.m. funeral on Monday, January 15, at Sharon Moravian Church. Interment will follow in Sharon Moravian Church Cemetery. Her family will receive callers from noon to 1:00 p.m. on Monday at the church, prior to the service. Those wishing to honor her memory by a charitable contribution are encouraged to do so to Sharon Moravian Church 4776 Moravian Church Rd. S.E., New Philadelphia, OH  44663 and Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave. S.W., New Philadelphia, OH  44663.