Filomena Garcia, 97, of Arkansas City, Kansas, passed away Thursday, May 12, 2022.

Born July 5, 1924, in Arkansas City, she was the daughter of Felix and Rafala (Ramirez) Hernandez. She was raised and received her education in Arkansas City.

In 1943, she met and married Alfred Garcia in Arkansas City, while he was stationed at Strother Field with the Army Air Corps during World War II. Following the war the couple made their home in Arkansas City their entire lives. Filomena spent her life as a caregiver. She worked for 19 years as a Nurse's Aide at the Arkansas City Hospital, and after retiring, continued as a caregiver for many family and friends. In 1993, Filomena and Alfred celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary by renewing their vows and having a big celebration with family and friends.

She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and the American GI Forum. She enjoyed cooking, baking, collecting dolls, doll houses, and miniature furniture. She also enjoyed teaching others to cook, especially making tortillas from scratch.

Her family includes her sons, Alfred Garcia, Jr. and wife, Mary of Arizona; Alexander Garcia and wife, Vivian of Arkansas City; her daughters, Teresa Krusor and husband, Mark of Winfield; her son-in-law John Tapia of Winfield; her brothers, Bonifacio Hernandez of California; Joe Hernandez of Wichita; her sister Toni Hall of Arkansas City; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and a great-great grandchild.

In addition to her parents and husband, Filomena was preceded in death by five sisters, one brother, two sons, Arthur Garcia and Ruben Garcia, and a daughter Shirley Tapia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M., Monday, May 16, 2022, at Holy Name Catholic Church in Winfield under the direction of Miles Funeral Service. Interment will follow at the Kansas Veterans Cemetery. The Rosary will be prayed on Sunday evening, May 15, 2022, at 7:00 P.M. at the church.

A memorial has been established in Filomena's name for the Cowley County Humane Society. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.