Freda Mae Cowger Garst
Freda Mae Cowger Garst, 91, of Bridgewater, passed away peacefully at her home on June 10, 2026.
She was born November 27, 1934, in Petersburg, West Virginia, to the late Fred Cowger and Elsie Virginia Judy Cowger. She was preceded in death by her husband Marshall Lee Garst, her son, Frederick Marshall Garst, and her son, Gary Andrew Garst.
She led a life of service. She graduated from James Madison College and Rockingham Memorial Hospital in 1955 as a registered nurse. She worked in labor and delivery and surgery and finally at the Bridgewater Home where she served others with kindness. Her deep faith in her Lord Jesus Christ was passed down to all of her family and the community where she enriched every life she touched.
She met her late husband of sixty two years, Marshall Lee Garst, after her best friend and sister in law fellow nursing student Elinor Garst set them up on a blind date.
She loved to travel all over the world and especially loved France, Ireland and Scotland. GG, as she was affectionately known to all, was loyal and compassionate and always treated everyone she met as a friend.
GG's family who survives her are Daughter-in-law, Sue B. Garst, wife of the late Frederick Marshall Garst, of Bridgewater, Daughter, Teresa Garst Kiser, and husband Keith Kiser, of Mt. Clinton, and daughter Marsha Leigh Garst, and husband David Rao, of Linville, 10 grandsons, Matthew Garst and wife Lora, Daniel Garst and Wife Erika, Dustin Garst, Brandon Garst and wife Kim, Ryan Garst, Shay Garst and fiancée Erica, Bryce Kiser and wife Ansley, Luke Kiser and wife Lauren, Casper Rao and Marshall Rao, two granddaughters Josie Rao and Laura Rao, 6 great grandsons, 8 great granddaughters, sister-in-law Elinor Garst and nephew Mike Garst and wife Sandy, and three great-nephews and two great nieces, and a family of caregivers that gave her a great life, grandson Ryan, Bonnie, Mary Beth, Susie, Liz, Karen, Mary, Loni, Kim, Katie, Amanda, Rachel, Liz Z., Linda, Elsie, Dolores and Cheyenne, and her dear beloved neighbors Wayne and Linda Whitmore and family.
The funeral service will be at the Bridgewater Church of the Brethren on June 22 at 2:00 pm. The burial will follow and will be private. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Company and the Bridgewater Rescue Squad.
Arrangements are by Johnson Funeral & Cremation Service in Bridgewater. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnsonfs.com.
