Erma Gardner

Erma Josephine Gardner, 93, passed away peacefully in Meridian, Idaho, on Oct. 15, 2008.

She was born Feb. 26, 1915, in Chester, Idaho. She was the second of six children of William Nephi Foster and Marian Josephine Wardell Foster. Erma grew up in St. Anthony, Idaho, where she attended school through the eighth grade. Most of her teen years were spent helping her mom and dad take care of her brothers and sisters while her folks worked to support the family.

In the fall of 1937, Erma met Ross Gardner and they were married July 9, 1938. Together, they had six children. They lived and farmed in Teton City, Idaho, until 1962, when they moved to Quincy, Wash., where they continued their involvement in agriculture. After Ross retired in 1978, they moved back home to Teton City. Ross died in 1987 and Erma stayed there until 1996 when she moved to Nampa, Idaho, to be closer to her daughter, Gayla, and family. She stayed in the Treasure Valley until her death.

She is preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Loren, Deloy and Blaine Foster and two sisters, Lila Owens and Leora Deppe; and a daughter-in-law, Barbara Gardner. She is survived by four sons and two daughters, Dahlan of Teton City, Kenneth (Linda) of Wilford, Loren (Margie) of Egin and Keven (Sandy) of Quincy, Wash., Gayla (Skip) Kellogg of Eagle and Renae Gardner of Nampa. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 20, at the Newdale LDS Church on Church Road. Burial will be in Teton Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Nampa Funeral Home, Yraguen Chapel. Donations may be made to Preferred Community Homes c/o Renae Gardner 7091 W. Emerald, Boise, ID 83704 or to a charity of your choice.