Marla Kay Garrabrant

Marla Kay (Weyhrich) Garrabrant, 75 years old, passed away in South Bend, Indiana on the afternoon of Thursday, January 26, 2023. Marla was born to Vernon and Irene (Beckman) Weyhrich on August 2, 1947 in Pekin, Illinois. She was preceded in death by both parents, as well as her brother, Thomas Weyhrich.

In August of 1986, Marla began dating her life partner, Dave Hanson, whom she lived with in South Bend, Indiana for 36 years until her passing. She is survived by Dave and his three daughters, Kendra Hanson Vickers of Elkhart, Indiana, Heather Hanson Berry of Arlington, Virginia, and Lesley Hanson Leins of Hagerstown, Maryland. Also surviving are her two sisters, Linda (Norman) Beach of Lakeville, Indiana and Susan (Mike) Sugrue of Chicago, Illinois. Marla had no children of her own, but the five huskies she and Dave shared over the years were her pride and joy; Ivan, Koda, Natasha, Posie, and Luna preceded her in death.

Marla always had a great work ethic. After graduating from LaSalle High School in 1965, she moved to Elkhart where she worked at National Bank for five years. She then moved to South Bend in 1978 and worked as a legal secretary for Jones Obenchain Inc. for 30 years, before retiring in 2008.

Marla was a very sweet and caring woman. She had a passion for rescuing animals, especially huskies, and had a lifelong dream of mushing sled dogs at the Iditarod Trail Race in Anchorage, Alaska. At various points in her life, she was an aquatic swim dancer, an avid book reader, and an accomplished artist. She was incredibly generous and thoughtful of others and had an infectious laughter.

Marla enjoyed life to its fullest, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

There are no services scheduled at this time. However, the family is planning a private memorial service this spring.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marla’s honor may be sent to Northern Lights Sled Dog Rescue, 62 Easton Point Way, Greenwood IN 46142 or online at donate.makemydonation.org/donate/141981482.

Palmer Funeral Home – Hickey Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.