Judith Clause Garber

Judith Clause Garber died on December 17, 2023 at her home in Des Moines at the age of 81.

Born in Jefferson, Iowa, she graduated with a B.S. degree from Iowa State University where she was the president of the Tri-Delta sorority. She was a member of honors groups and the Iowa State Singers. She later extended her professional education by earning a Master’s in Counseling from Roosevelt University in Chicago.

Judith was an art instructor and guidance counselor for 37 years at Homewood-Flossmoor High School in Flossmoor, Illinois. She was a mainstay in the theatrical productions at HF where she choreographed more than 30 musicals. Judith also chaperoned student trips to Europe during her tenure at HF. She loved travel, visiting art museums, and the opera.

In retirement, Judith returned to her family farm in Iowa, where she restored the north place farmhouse. She was a supporter of Relay for Life, Ogden’s annual fundraiser to support breast cancer research. When she moved to Des Moines, she was active with several volunteer organizations. She enjoyed reading mysteries and doing needlepoint creations. Judith was known for her generosity, bridge-playing skills, sharp wit, and love of beauty.

She is survived by her son Timothy J. Garber, daughter-in-law Angela, grandson Joshua Thomas, granddaughter Gracie Kate, sister Mary Catherine Aldrich, and nieces Jennifer Aldrich and Margret Aldrich.

A memorial service for Judith will be held Thursday, January 4, 2024 at the Carson-Stapp Funeral Home in Ogden, Iowa. The gathering of friends and family will begin at 1 p.m., service to follow at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in memory of Judith be sent to either Relay for Life or the American Heart Association.