Marjorie Rae Garber Kauffman passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on Monday, April 8, after a brief period of decline. Marjorie (Marge) lived a full life, spanning 89 years, 8 months, and 25 days.

Born to Edd and Iva (Bute) Garber on July 14, 1934, Marge was raised in Jackson. She attended high school at Hesston College and Academy in Hesston, Kansas where she fell in love with a handsome Texan named Joe Kauffman. They married on December 31, 1956 at the Garber residence in Jackson and soon after moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, where they welcomed their first child, son Kelly.

Marge and her family eventually moved back to Jackson, where they settled and farmed northeast of town. Here, she and Joe had three more children—Kerri, Robyn, and Jeff—and focused on creating a happy, loving home for their family.

Marge and her husband were long-time active members of Alpha Mennonite Church until it relocated into town and was renamed Hilltop Mennonite Church in 1985. They attended Hilltop until its closure in the spring of 2004. Despite not having a congregation for her last twenty years, her faith and love for God remained strong until the end. She and Joe watched Sunday services on TV, especially enjoying the beautiful worship music.

In addition to helping on the family farm, Marge found joy in various creative pursuits. She was an avid crafter and artist who painted with oils and acrylics, leaving behind a gorgeous collection of paintings. She also had a passion for gardening and was a lover of flowers. Marge had a fantastic eye for interior design and took pleasure in helping her children fix up their homes; she loved watching HGTV shows and reading magazines like Country Living and Farmhouse Style for inspiration.

Additionally, Marge was a voracious reader. She was excited to participate in the Jackson Public Library's winter reading program for many years, always meeting her reading goal and collecting her prize mug. In her final years, she appreciated the library's home delivery service and was thankful to Dawn for choosing her books and enjoyed chatting with Cindy upon each delivery. Marge also enjoyed staying sharp by doing word finds, completing countless books on various topics.

Beyond her creative pursuits, Marge was known as a wonderful friend to many in the community. She cherished spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often playing school, baking, doing craft projects, and hosting tea parties with them.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents, Edd and Iva Garber, her infant brother, Gerald Garber, and her brother, Deane Garber. She is survived by her husband, Joe Kauffman; her children, Kelly Kauffman, Kerri Kocak and her husband Mark, Robyn Harr and her husband Gary, and Jeff Kauffman; 14 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; her sister Judy Dyer; her close niece Sandy Garber (who shares her birthday); and a host of other family and friends who will miss her dearly.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Jackson Public Library and Jackson Food Shelf, causes that were close to Marge's heart.

Marjorie Kauffman's memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. May she rest in peace.

God bless Marjorie Rae Kauffman.

A time of visitation and gathering for Marjorie Kauffman, age 89, of Jackson, will be held Friday, April 19th from 5:00-7:00 PM, at LaCanne Family Celebration of Life Center in Jackson