Madelyn Garard, 83, formerly of Columbia City, died at 6:37 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, 2015, at Brookdale Senior Living Solutions, Fort Wayne.

She was born Sept. 3, 1932, in Prestonsburg, Ky., a daughter of the late Kernie and Grace (Hopkins) Barnett. At the age of two the family moved to Akron. In 1945 they moved to North Judson where she graduated from High School.

On Dec. 22, 1957, she was united in marriage to Frank V. Garard. They made their home in Fort Wayne. In 1970 the couple moved to Whitley County. Mr. Garard, a retired Fort Wayne Police Officer, died Jan. 4, 1996.

She worked for Purdue University teaching nutrition in Whitley County for 11 years and was a member of the former First Presbyterian Church.

Surviving relatives include five daughters: Paula Irene Reuille, Columbia City; Carole Jo (Robert) Arth, Cleveland, Ohio; Deborah Ann (Thomas) Milton, Big Lake; Brenda Lee (Keith) Thomas, New Haven; and Teresa Lynn (Manfred) Konczalla, Lake Placid, Fla.; a son: Frank Jeffery Garard, Lake Wales, Fla.; 16 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son: Stephan Allen Garard.

A private family burial will take place at South Park Annex cemetery.

Preferred memorials are to Heartland Hospice or Brookdale Senior Living Solutions. Mail memorials to the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.