Our Story

Mary Catherine Ripple grew up on a farm in Cheltenham, Maryland, the 4th of 8 children. She worked in the office of B.F. Goodrich (tires) in Washington, D.C. for 32 years, retiring when the traffic got to be too much for her. After a short break she went back to work, but this time for the state in Annapolis. She and George rode together to work until they both retired. In retirement they became snowbirds spending winters in Florida and summers at their home in Maryland.

Catherine R. (Kate) Garner, 70 died at Hyland General Hospital, Sebring, Florida, last Sunday, Februry 8 after a continued illness.

Kate was a very efficient person. She retired from B. F. Goodrich Rubber Co. after working there 32 years. She then went to work for the State of Maryland and retired after 8 years there as secretary to Mr. William Parr, director of the Maryland State Department of Forests and Parks.

She and her husband enjoyed their last seven years of retirement, spending their winters in Florida and their summers at their home on Route 382, near Croom Station, Upper Marlboro.

Mrs. Garner is survived by her husband, George B. Garner, three sisters, Grace Duvall, Mildred Lyons and Doris A. Smoot; three brothers Ellsworth Ripple, Franklin Ripple and Robert Ripple, also many nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial is being held today at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, Upper Marlboro at 11 a.m. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton. (Obituary)

(a) Kate working the vegetable garden with the broom factory in the background. (b) Kate in her fur coat and a car in the garage. (c) One boyfriend sometimes flew in for a visit.

Kate served as one of the first women jurors of the Petit Jury panel for Prince George's County October Term, 1947. Jurors were (L to R): Mary L Joffe, M Catherine Ripple, Grace M Hopkins, Mary M Bradshaw, Daisy LaCapidian, Catherine B Breen, Mildred Wheatley, Mrs. Harry F Davis.

Kate and George are buried together in Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton, Maryland.