Deborah Lee "Debbie" Gardner

Deborah Lee Gailey Gardner, passed away on December 23, 2025 due to complications from Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy (CAA).

Debbie was born on March 10, 1952 in Oakland, California to Lois and Vern Gailey. She was the oldest of four children, Dawn Kevern, Doug Gailey, and Michael Gailey.

Vern was an air traffic controller, which required the family to move frequently during Debbie's childhood. While she lived in many places, she held especially fond memories of her time in Alaska. She made life long friends during her years in Alaska, loved the beautiful scenery and enjoyed fishing with her dad.

In 1970, Debbie graduated from Davis High School in Kaysville, Utah. She went on to attend Weber State University, where she became a registered nurse. She especially loved working in labor and delivery, where she supported women and cared for the new babies. Nursing was more than a career, it was her calling.

Debbie married Gary Kelso in 1971, together they had two children, Kelly and Chad. She later married Greg Gardner 1978 (divorced 2008), together they had five children, Aaron, Beth, Katie, Jake, and Nikki. Of all her roles in life, being a mother was Debbie's greatest accomplishment. Her children, 16 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved them all fiercely and without reservation.

As the mother of two children with Down syndrome, Katie and Nikki, Debbie devoted much of her life to advocating for individuals with special needs. She was a steadfast and loving voice for inclusion, dignity, and acceptance. She worked tirelessly to ensure that they were seen, valued, and supported. She took great pride and loved working as a nurse at Camp Kostopulos. This advocacy was not simply a role she assumed, but a defining mission of her life.

Later in life, Debbie also became a massage therapist. She often said that her most rewarding work was providing comfort to hospice patients, offering peace, compassion, and dignity during life's final chapter.

In 2018, Debbie completed a lifelong quest to locate her biological father, Peter Jimenez. Through that journey, she discovered she had a half sister, Michele, whom she was grateful to meet. This meaningful chapter brought her a sense of understanding and closure that she valued deeply.

Debbie will be remembered for her beautiful smile and infectious laugh, which could light up a room and bring joy to those around her. Her life was marked by service, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to caring for others through her work, her advocacy, and her devotion to her family.

Debbie is survived by her children, Kelly Kelso (Rob Gilbert), Aaron Gardner (Ann), Beth Gardner, Katie Gardner, Jake Gardner (Megan Morris), Nikki Gardner, her 16 grandchildren, and her 2 great grandchildren.

Debbie was preceded in death by her parents, Lois and Vern Gailey; her sister, Dawn Kevern; and her beloved son, Chad Kelso.

Our mom will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of the following organizations in Debbie's memory.

Camp Kostopulos: www.campk.org

Special Olympics: support.specialolympics.org