Carolyn Ann Garza

It is with deep love and heartfelt sorrow that the family of Carolyn Ann Garza announces her passing on November 8, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on August 14, 1943, in Pontiac, Michigan, Carolyn was the beloved daughter of Charles “Duffy” Frank Bordner and Alberta (Kline) Strawser.

Carolyn was raised with a strong foundation of faith, family, and hard work. Her father, “Duffy” Bordner of Sebewaing, Michigan, owned and operated Duffy’s Tavern with his wife Mildred and was also a respected commercial fisherman and entrepreneur. Her mother, Alberta Strawser of Seal Beach, California, was a gifted hair stylist who owned and operated her own salon while living in Oxford, Michigan.

On September 30, 1972, Carolyn married Adolfo Rudi Garza of Pigeon, Michigan. They met through mutual friends Carol Haag and Albert Moscarro, who introduced them within a lively group that loved to sing, dance, and celebrate life together. Rudi, now 86 and in wonderful health, continues to reside in Pigeon with decades of cherished memories of the life they built.

A woman of deep faith, Carolyn was a longtime and devoted member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Unionville, Michigan, where she served in Care and Share, the Prayer Chain, and as a Sunday School teacher. She also volunteered in the school cafeteria while her daughter Rhonda attended St. Paul Lutheran Elementary School. Carolyn’s faith was the center of her life. She spent countless hours reading her Bible, praying in the Holy Spirit, and lifting others up by name—filling pages and pages with the names of those she prayed for daily.

Known for her spotless home and beautifully kept yard, Carolyn embraced both modern conveniences and the simple joys of life—like hanging clothes on the line for that fresh country-air scent. She loved cheeseburgers, fries, baked beans, pizza, holiday foods, and sharing meals with family.

Carolyn enjoyed Caseville Beach, country rides, picking blueberries, and long, heartfelt phone conversations. She always began her days early—laundry at 6:30 AM, baking at 9 AM—and she offered gentle encouragement to everyone she met. Her blue eyes, loving heart, and steadfast devotion to Jesus were unmistakable parts of who she was.

Her grandchildren hold precious memories of time spent with her:

Hannah remembers eating ice cream with Grandma Garza and being pushed around the house on the four-wheel walker with the little bench seat—laughing as Grandma wheeled her around.

Paul treasures the many games of hide-and-seek they played together.

Omar lovingly recalls going on shopping trips to Meijer and getting his hair cut with Grandma by his side.

Above all, Carolyn adored her family. She is survived by her devoted daughter Rhonda Holbert, and her beloved grandchildren Omar Syed, Paul Holbert, and Hannah Holbert, all of Flat Rock, Michigan. She prayed for them constantly—day and night—covering them in love, protection, and encouragement. Carolyn was preceded in death by her daughter Ida Garza, whose memory she carried with her always.

In keeping with her wishes, Carolyn was cremated, and her ashes were gently sprinkled over Saginaw Bay in Sebewaing, Michigan, where her father once docked his fishing boat—returning her to a place deeply tied to her family roots.

No public memorial service is scheduled. The family requests that monetary memorial donations be directed to her daughter Rhonda to assist with ongoing expenses.

Carolyn will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, her generous spirit, her encouraging words, and her hunger for godliness, holiness, and righteousness. Her prayers and her love continue to shine through those she leaves behind.