Mrs. Minnie Ellis Garten, of Covington, Virginia, died Thursday, December 27, 2012, at her residence.

She was the wife of the late George Elbert Garten, who preceded her in death in 1986.

Mrs. Garten was born in Covington, the daughter of the late Thomas Ellis and Lula Kalil Ellis.

She was a lifetime resident of this community and was a registered nurse at the former Alleghany Memorial Hospital and former Alleghany Regional Hospital before her retirement.

Minnie also participated in all of the family businesses including the former Ellis's Restaurant.

Mrs. Garten was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and the Catholic Women's Club. She was also a member of the Women of the Moose and the Professional Women's Club.

Mrs. Garten is survived by one son, George Thomas "Tommy" Garten and wife, Mary Beth of Covington; one daughter, Patricia Garten Johnson, of Covington; five grandchildren, Anne Marie Johnson, Amiee Ellis Merrins and husband, Brian, Christopher Todd Johnson, George Matthew "Matt" Garten and wife, Kristen, Robert Christopher "Dizzy" Garten and wife, Natalie; and nine great grandchildren, Christopher Patrick Johnson, George Alexander Taylor, Brice Dylan Johnson, Dalton Remi Johnson, Monte Bliss Johnson, Matthew Tate Garten, Thomas Henry Garten, Grayson Johnson and Frederick Harbor Merrins.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Garten was preceded in death by three sisters, Mary Theresa "Bootsie" Ellis, Miss Louise Ellis and Miss Ina Ellis.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 31, 2012, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Tom Collins as celebrant, assisted by Father Louis Benoit. Interment followed in Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Matt Garten, Dizzy Garten, Christopher Johnson, Brice Johnson, Remi Johnson, Todd Johnson, Brian Merrins, George Taylor and Billy Joe Withrow.

Honorary pallbearers were Roy Hambrick, Willie Graham, Ann Webb, Joyletta Lemon, Evelyn Bratton, Christina Ailrey and Carita Hughes.

The family will receive friends from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Sunday evening at Loving Funeral Home. A Rosary Service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m.

The family suggests that memorial tributes be made to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 255 W. Main Street, Covington, VA 24426 or Mountain Regional Hospice, P.O. Box 637, Clifton Forge, VA 24422.

Funeral arrangements were handled by Loving Funeral Home; www.lovingfuneralhome1913.com.