
Cleta Vay Garrett, 94, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away peacefully on January 21, 2025. Born Cleta Vay Cook in 1930 in Ottawa, Kansas, she lived a life filled with love, kindness, and service to others.
Cleta devoted much of her career to nursing in Emporia, Kansas, where she touched the lives of countless individuals with her compassion and expertise. Beyond her professional work, she was a steadfast volunteer, dedicating her time to St. Mary’s Breast Center and Gilda’s Club in Evansville. Her selflessness and commitment to helping others left an indelible mark on the community.
She is survived by her daughters, Cheryl Hanou and Laurie Pea, five cherished grandchildren and two great grandchildren: Erin, Steffi, Amy, Meghan, Jake, Henry and Theo. Cleta’s family was the cornerstone of her life, and her love for them was deep and enduring.
A woman of style, grace, and boundless kindness, Cleta was known for her love of animals and her passion for travel. She lived a life that embodied compassion and responsibility, always striving to make the world a better place for those around her. Her ability to connect with others, her unwavering kindness, and her quiet strength made her a beloved figure to all who knew her.
Cleta’s legacy of generosity, warmth, and elegance will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those she served over the years.
Memorial contributions may be made to Gilda’s Club in Evansville, or the Vanderburgh County Humane Society, two causes dear to Cleta’s heart.
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