Gara June Rock Champion, 94, of Topeka, passed away Sunday, July 29, 2018.

She was born February 25, 1924, in Torrington, Wyoming, the daughter of Byron and Gladys (Wiersma) Rock.

Gara married the love of her life, Robert W. Champion, on December 31, 1943 in Laramie, WY . He preceded her in death on January 29, 2013.

She attended Colorado Woman's College Denver, CO and received an Associates Degree in 1944.

Gara and Robert's first priority was raising their daughter, Terri. Gara was employed by Champion Realty, Sault Ste. Marie, MI for 23 years, retiring in 1989. After retiring, the Champions took a trip of a lifetime on their boat "Champ Too" down the Mississippi, across the Gulf of Mexico, up the inland waterway, and back into the Great Lakes to home. After selling their boat they moved to Topeka to help raise their granddaughters, Kirsten and Courtney.

Grammie told fantastic stories of their adventures on their boat and in their plane. Her playful spirit and loving heart will be deeply missed.

She was a member of the First Lutheran Church, of Topeka.

Survivors include her daughter, Terri (Craig) McManus, granddaughters, Kirsten (Alan) Cunningham, Courtney (Ryan) Oliver; great-grandchildren, Clara Cunningham, Emmie Cunningham, Brody Cunningham, Deacon Cunningham; nieces, Christina Snyder, Sandra Griswold; her best friend, Betty Glettig; her daughter of the heart, Carol Hedberg; and her Baby Boy Dog Duke.
She was preceded in death by her twin brother, Gair Byron Rock, and a niece, Shelley Delaney.

Visitation will be Tuesday, July 31, 2018 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Penwell-Gabel-Mid-Town Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave. Topeka, KS 66604. Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at First Lutheran Church 1234 SW Fairlawn Road, Topeka, KS 66604.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church.


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