Tari Sue Malmgren-Garza

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved Tari Sue Garza, who tragically left us on September 17, 2024, in West, Texas, while returning home to Austin from a work trip. Tari Sue Malmgren was born on May 4, 1968, in Wichita, Kansas, to Edna and Jerry Malmgren. She grew up with her younger brother, Troy, who she fondly remembered their shared laughter and adventures with their cousins and grandparents. Tari graduated from South High School, Wichita, Kansas in 1986, Tari pursued her education at Wichita State University, then continued onto Kansas University, earning her Bachelor’s in Pharmacy in 1991. She dedicated her career to healthcare, serving as an infectious disease clinical specialist and clinical manager at Via Christi Regional Medical Center. Her commitment to patient care led her to achieve her Doctorate of Pharmacy and later serve patients with pulmonary hypertension at Johnson & Johnson’s subsidiaries, Janssen and Actelion.

In Rockwall, Texas, she found love with Carlos Garza, and they were married on November 4, 2017. Tari embraced her role as a stepmother to Carlos's two sons, Gil and Jay, welcoming her daughter-in-law, Courtney, with open arms. She cherished her family, including their beloved dogs, Cooper and Paco, who brought joy to their home. Tari’s caring heart and vibrant spirit touched everyone she met. She had a passion for hosting, decorating, and exploring new culinary delights with Carlos. Together, they dreamed of a joyful retirement filled with travel and adventure.

Tari leaves her husband Carlos and stepsons Gil (Courtney) and Jay, her parents, Jerry and Edna Padgett Malmgren. Aunts: Betty Ireland, Mary Shillcutt, Mary Johnson, Mary Padgett, Joyce Padgett, Mary Jane Malmgren. Uncles: Bill Padgett, Richard Malmgren, Mike Johnson, Gus Hamm. Her sister-in-law: Lettie Garza and her much loved cousins and a host of friends.

She is preceded in death by her brother Troy (1997), Grandparents: Leslie and Mary Etta Malmgren, Curtis and Elizabeth Padgett, Uncle John Padgett and Aunt Mildred Hamm. Cousins: Matthew and Morgan Johnson, Natalie Johnson.

A funeral service was held on September 23, 2024, Dripping Springs, Texas and Burial at Phillips Cemetery, Dripping Springs, Texas.

Your love and prayers are deeply appreciated as we navigate this heartbreaking loss.

Tari will be forever remembered for her kindness, laughter, and the love she shared with all. She will be dearly missed.

The family suggests contributions to:

PAWS:  https://pawsshelter.org/donate/

CHEST:  https://www.chestnet.org/membership-and-community/philanthropy/donate