Lori Jo Garrard,  the daughter of Donald and Nora "Jean" (Hart) Auchampach, was born May 24, 1957, in Britt, Iowa.

Lori graduated from Garner-Hayfield High School in 1975 and attended Iowa Central Community College and Upper Iowa University.

On June 6, 1981, she was married to Donald Garrard at Presbyterian Church in Garner.

Lori worked as a registered nurse at various hospitals in Iowa, and nursing home administrator at Hilltop Manor, her favorite place to work. She also owned Midwest Medical Supplies with her husband Don.  She retired in 2021.

Lori found so much joy in her favorite pastimes, particularly reading, cooking, and gardening. She had an amazing green thumb for vegetables, thoroughly enjoyed cooking a garden variety of meals, and was always eager to try out new recipes. Her husband was always her first taste tester especially if it involved chocolate. She was enthusiastic about canning and usually went overboard with green beans every year. She loved catching the sun on white sandy beaches especially in Florida and Mexico. She was also fond of spending time with her daughters and always looked forward to their yearly thrifting trip. She also adored the many cats and dogs that came into her life as family pets - at one point she accommodated three dogs and a cat at the same time. Overall, she had a love for nature and appreciated the beauty that each season brings. Her most idyllic place to be was at home amongst her loving family and pets while tending to her garden.

Lori is survived by her husband, Don, and their family:

Elizabeth (Chad) Adams

Daytona, Camdyn, Oliver, Vienna, and Naomi Adams

Brianna Garrard

Skyler, Ryker and Astryd Kroll

She is also survived by her mother, Jean Auchampach of Garner, brother John (Tina) Auchampach of Elm Grove, Wisconsin, and brother-in-law Rich Van Oort of Garner, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her father Donald Auchampach, infant son Cory Dean Garrard, parents-in-law Bill and Betty Garrard, and sister Sheri Van Oort.

Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter
1716 Pella Ave, Oskaloosa IA 52577
Tel: 1-641-673-3991