Missy Hall Garoza

Missy Hall Garoza, 60, of Marietta, OH, passed away on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at her residence. She was born on January 16, 1959 in Selma, Alabama to David L. Hall and the late Janet Trueheart Tolson Waterhouse.

Missy spent much of her life working in a college or university setting, first at Marietta College where she worked in the records office and then managed the college bookstore. While in Marietta she also worked at the Washington County Courthouse in Children Services. She continued her bookstore manager position upon moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2002, before becoming an academic advisor at a branch campus of the University of New Mexico and then at UNM’s main campus.

Missy loved working with students. While at Marietta College, she considered herself a mentor to the students, and she and her husband would hold dinners for up to 30 students at their Marietta home. She volunteered as an unofficial photographer for campus events, especially those of the sororities and fraternities and other college organizations. She played a major role in the effort to convert an empty grocery store into The Gathering Place student union. The students enjoyed her warmth, friendliness, and interest in their lives.

After moving to Ocean Springs, MS, to help her ailing mother, Missy continued working in higher education at a local community college and also in Marietta when she moved back there to help her father. While in Ocean Springs, MS, Missy was devoted to St. John’s Episcopal Church.

In addition to her father, she is survived by a sister, Cynthia “Cindy” Hall Mouser of Ocean Springs, MS; a brother, David William Hall of New Orleans, LA; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and her former husband of 20 years, Val Garoza of Rio Communities, NM.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Janet Waterhouse and a sister, Jamie Lynne Hall.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Wednesday, September 4, 2019 at Hadley Funeral Home Reno Chapel, 1021 Pike St., Marietta, OH 45750 with Minister Suzanne Reynolds officiating. Visitation will be held from 9 AM until the time of service on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to EVE Incorporated, P.O. Box 122, Marietta, OH 45750 or at www.eveshelter.com/donate or to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 705 Rayburn Ave., Ocean Springs, MS 39564.

Online condolences may be made at www.hadleyfh.com.