Marian June Leerhoff Garrett

Marian June (Motter) Leerhoff Garrett, 100, of Mount Morris, died Friday July 12 at Allure of Pinecrest Manor. She was born on March 22, 1924 in Egan, the daughter of William H. and Grace (Reber) Motter. She was a 1942 graduate of Leaf River High School and was a member of the Leaf River Methodist Church and later the Evangelical Free Church of Mt. Morris.

She married Clarence G. Leerhoff on June 13, 1942. They enjoyed 53 years of marriage, raising three children in Leaf River and together they owned a grocery store in town and then Marian worked for the phone company. Clarence also sang in a band with friends and would follow them to local gigs enjoying their music. They also traveled together with their kids; camping and visiting National Parks. Following Clarence’s death in 1995, she married Harlan Garrett in September of 1999 and was married to him for two years until his death in 2001.

Her greatest joy in life was her family and friends. She enjoyed gathering with friends; especially playing cards. Marian was very competitive with everyone, always trying to gain an advantage and win no matter who she played. She also loved attending holidays and get-togethers wherever her family was gathered and attended many games, concerts, and events all the way to the last week of her life.

Survivors include her son Murray (Susan) Leerhoff, daughter Diana Stahl; daughter-in-law Karla Leerhoff, bonus sons Dick (Mary Jo) Garrett and Roger (Susan) Garrett, grandchildren Brent (Mildora) Leerhoff, Brenda (Thomas) Schmuauch, Scott (Stella) Leerhoff, Bryce (Jenn) Leerhoff, Heidi (Eddie) Lopez, Thomas (Ashley) Stahl, Amanda Leerhoff, Matthew Stahl, and Katelyn Leerhoff, great-grandchildren Tristan, Tanner, Evan, Liam, Micah, Calvin, Ashelyn, Xander, Kayelee, Derek, Clarence, Lawrence, and Elizabeth, great-great grandchildren Scarlette, Sapphire, Jasper and Eliza. She was predeceased by her parents, first husband Clarence, second husband Harlan Garrett, brothers Donald and William Motter, son Larry Leerhoff and son-in-law Steve Stahl.

Visitation will be at 10am on Thursday, July 18th, 2024 at the Evangelical Free Church of Mount Morris with the funeral service directly afterwards at 11:30am; officiated by Pastor Bruce McKanna of EFCMM. Burial will take place amongst her family at Lightsville Cemetery, Leaf River, IL. Memorials can be made out to EFCMM or the Leaf River Historical Museum.