Marlene Lois Garcia Neibarger

With deep sadness and enduring love, we announce the passing of Marlene Lois Garcia Neibarger; born in Toledo on October 28, 1951.

Marlene was a woman who loved fiercely and completely. She was stubborn in the ways that mattered, nurturing to the people she loved, and unwavering when it came to protecting and caring for her family. If you were hers, you knew it. Her love showed up in phone calls, worry, laughter, advice (whether you asked for it or not), and by making sure the people around her were always taken care of.

She was a devoted mother to Joseph Garcia [Katie], Eric Garcia, and Krystal Garcia [Karl]. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Michael Garcia (whose loss she carried with her always) and by her first husband, Jose Garcia.

Later in life Marlene found companionship and partner in James Neibarger, her husband whom she lovingly aggravated every chance she got. Whether teasing him, repainting another room in the house, or coming home with yet another yard sale treasure, she filled life with personality, humor, and heart.

Marlene loved oldies music, weekends spent searching yard sales, and making a house feel like home. It sometimes seemed the walls changed color with the seasons because she was always repainting and refreshing things around her. She had a creative spirit, a strong will, and a way of making people feel cared for, sometimes through the smallest gestures.

Her grandchildren brought her tremendous pride and joy: Tylar, Austin, and Alexis Garcia, Kayla Holmes, Kansas Ladomirak and Bridget Garcia. Also her great grandchild Anastasia. She also leaves behind her stepchildren: Timothy Neibarger, Tracy Neibarger-Foley [Kelly], and Nicole Rooks [Philip]. Additionally, she is survived by her brother, James Paris and sister, Dianne Gonzales, along with many extended family members and loved ones whose lives were touched by her love, humor, and strength.

Marlene will be remembered for speaking her mind, loving deeply, and never giving up on the people she cared about. She could be tough as nails one moment and deeply tender the next, a combination that made her unforgettable to those who knew her best.

Though her family’s hearts are heavy, they find comfort in the memories she leaves behind: old songs playing through the house, fresh paint on the walls, laughter in the kitchen, stories from yard sales, and the unmistakable feeling of being loved by her.

A memorial service will be held Saturday afternoon, June 6th at 1 o’clock at Freedom Biker Church, 300 Old Whiskey Rd., New Ellenton, SC 29809.

She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and always loved

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC