Elesa Lynn Garcia

Elesa Lynn Garcia, 87, of Newton, Kansas, met her Maker peacefully on August 24, 2026, surrounded by the love and support of those who meant the most to her. Her life was one of love, faith, family, friendship, and devotion to the many people whose lives she touched. 

Elesa was born on October 28, 1938, in Newton, Kansas, to George W. Simons and Vera Shorthose Simons. She was raised in Newton and graduated from Newton High School in 1956. Shortly after graduation, she married her high school sweetheart, Julian Garcia. 

Elesa and Julian began their married life in San Bernardino, California, where their first son was born. After a short time in California, they returned to their hometown of Newton, where they welcomed their second son, followed by three daughters. Elesa devoted herself to raising her five children as a stay-at-home mother, a role she embraced with a love and grace that made it seem effortless.

 In 1974, Elesa began working at Newton High School as the attendance clerk, a position she held until her retirement in 2000. To generations of students, she was affectionately known as “Ms. G,” “Coach G,” or simply the lady who would call home when a student skipped class. While working at N.H.S., she also served as the high school cheerleading coach. She was, and always will be, a true Railroader, although she was always happy to cheer for other school colors when her grandchildren were competing. 

Travel was an important part of Elesa’s life. In her younger years, she traveled to countless Newton sporting events to support her children. Later, she traveled near and far to be there for her grandchildren. She rarely missed a wrestling match, dance recital, softball game, choir concert, or any other event that mattered to her family. Being present for the people she loved was simply who she was. 

Elesa also loved packing a suitcase and traveling with Julian. Together, they explored destinations throughout the United States and overseas. One of her favorite places to visit was Oberammergau, Germany. Wherever she went, she loved bringing home souvenirs and memories to share with others. Her love of travel reflected her curiosity, her joy in experiencing new places, and her appreciation for the moments she could create with the people she loved. 

From her travels to her love of reading, she was always able to escape into new adventures. She had an extensive collection of books and often returned to her favorite stories, reading them many times. She instilled her love of reading in her children, taking them to the old library when they were young. She was also known for encouraging her grandchildren to read, often recommending certain books that she believed they would enjoy. 

Elesa had a wonderful gift for friendship and staying connected with others. She remained close to the retired secretaries of Newton High School and enjoyed monthly gatherings with her classmates from the Class of 1956. She looked forward to monthly luncheons with her classmates at Curtis C’s, Friday morning coffee with her church friends, and time spent with her P.E.O. sisters. These friendships were an important and treasured part of her life. 

Her faith was another cornerstone of who she was. Elesa was a longtime member of St. Mary’s Altar Society, where she served as an officer for six years. She especially enjoyed helping with the annual Thanksgiving Bazaar. Through her faith and her example, she taught her children the importance of love, compassion, service, and staying connected to one another. 

Above all else, family was the center of Elesa’s world. Her love for her family, her faith, and her friends was something she instilled in all of her children. She was the person who showed up, cheered the loudest, remembered the details, and made sure those she loved knew they mattered. Her absence will leave an immeasurable emptiness, but the love she gave so freely will continue through the generations who were blessed to know her. 

Elesa was preceded in death by her parents, George and Vera Simons; her loving husband, Julian Garcia; and her son, Vincent Garcia. 

She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Karen Garcia of Newton; son Mike and Tina Garcia of Hutchinson; daughters Marcy and Bill Myers of Hutchinson, Kathy and Matt Archer of Newton, and Cristy and Mark Thomas of Milwaukee; 11 grandchildren Nisha, Sheena, Cody, Chelsi, Colton, Garret, Dillon, Kaley, Jason, Aubrey, Andre and Jayda; 18 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

The family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate Elesa’s life and share in their remembrance of a remarkable mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, and woman of faith. 

Visitation viewing will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m., Monday, August 31 followed by the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. 

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 1, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, with interment to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery. 

A memorial has been established with Our Lady of Guadalupe Church Altar Society. Contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton. 

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to the nursing staff at Kidron Bethel Bluestem and Good Shepherd Hospice for the compassionate care, kindness, and support they provided to Elesa and her family. 

Elesa leaves behind a lifetime of memories, a family who loved her deeply, and a legacy that will continue in every generation she helped shape. She will be deeply missed and forever loved.