December 6, 1933 – March 10, 2026
Russell L. Garber, Son of Daniel and Orpha Garber (Coning). Born, December 6, 1933 in Darke County, Ohio. He peacefully departed this life March 10, 2026 at Miami Valley Hospital with family at his side while they sang The Lord’s Prayer.
Realizing a need for a Savior, he was baptized on November 25, 1951 into the Old German Baptist Brethren Church. Russel was united in marriage with Etta Mae Flora on May 23, 1954 the daughter of Cornelius and Pauline Flora. In 1975, Russell and Etta joined the Old Brethren Church to which he remained faithful until his passing. This union was blessed with 9 daughters and 3 sons. Loraine and John Bayer, Jr. (deceased), Charlene and Rick Mowry (Arcanum, Ohio), Sandra and David Lacey (Laura, Ohio), Joann and Dan Garber (Arcanum, Ohio), Virginia and Michael Densmore (Winchester, Indiana), Russell and Molly Garber (Edgewood, Texas), Pauline Stanton (North Topsail Beach, North Carolina), Miriam and Harry Hubler, Jr (Monticello, Kentucky), Daniel and Rachel Garber (Union, Ohio), David Garber (Bethel Park, Pennsylvania), Maria and Seth Garber (Greenville, Ohio), Emily Robinson (Moraine, Ohio)
Dad enjoyed challenges. In 1973 he purchased land in Brazil, South America. He enjoyed traveling there many times over the years to farm. He farmed all his life with row crops or produce, taking his produce to the Dayton, Ohio area farmers markets for over 50 years, enjoying interacting with his customers, giving it up only 4 weeks prior to his passing.
He was preceded in death by both of his parents, one daughter and son-in-law (Loraine and John Bayer of Dayton, Ohio), one great-grandson (Owen Mowry), one brother and sister-in-law (Paul and Faye Garber), two brothers-in-law (Bob Deaton and David Miller). Left to mourn his passing are his loving wife, Etta Mae, of over 71 years, 8 daughters, 3 sons, 3 sisters and 2 brothers (Florence Deaton, Alice Miller, Charles and Thelma Garber, Lowell and Marilyn Garber and Doris and Dale Culp), 26 Grandchildren, 46 Great-Grandchildren and many relatives and friends.
Viewing and Funeral will be held at the Old German Baptist Brethren Church, Palestine District at 4764 Clark Station Rd., Greenville, Ohio 45331. Burial will follow the services in Miller Cemetery, behind the meeting house.
Family will receive friends from 2pm – 5pm and 6pm – 8pm on March 14th, 2026.
Funeral will be held at 10am on March 15th, 2026
If you care to send flowers or gifts for the family, send them to Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, 1499 North Broadway, Greenville, Ohio 45331. However, they will not be displayed at the viewing or funeral.
If you are inclined, please feel free to donate to a charity that is important to you in dad’s honor. If you would like a suggestion, Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation or Prostate Cancer Foundation.
