Cecilia “Sam” Garris, 86, of Oelwein passed away Thursday February 16, 2023 at MercyOne Senior Care in Oelwein.  Public graveside services will begin at 11:00 AM on Tuesday May 2, 2023 at Woodlawn Cemetery in Oelwein with Deacon Jim Patera officiating.  The Geilenfeld-Buehner Funeral Home in Oelwein is assisting the family.  www.geilenfeldfh.com

Cecilia Helen Garris was born in Oelwein on September 5, 1936 to parents John Sr. and Mary (Schmidt) Garris.  She graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School in Oelwein.  Sam was employed as a secretary with ADM in Oelwein and later with MHI in Independence.  Sam loved bargain shopping, home remedies, and animals, especially the many stray cats she fed and cared for.

Left to celebrate Sam’s life are her nephews: Greg (Diane), Eric (Bridget), Jim (Irene) and Kerry (Susan) Hartmann, Ron Garris, Mick Garris, John (Linda) Garris; her nieces Kathy Hartmann and Sue Garris, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers: Peter, John Jr., George, Adam, Jerome and Fleir Garris; her sisters: Irene Vogel and Marie Hartmann, nephew Steve Hartmann, and special friend Ollie Fratzke.

The family would like to thank the staff at MercyOne for the care they provided to Sam over the last few years.

Memorials may be directed to the family or the Buchanan County Animal Shelter.