Marie Gardner

Marie Ellen Gardner, 86, passed away on Saturday, March 21st in Payette, Idaho surrounded by her family. She was born on April 17, 1939 in Gordon, Nebraska to Joe and Ruby Parks. She was raised in Nebraska with her many siblings and later moved to Edgemont, South Dakota when she married Henry Lewis Gardner on November 29, 1959. Marie was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She is survived by her loving daughters, Shirley White, Debbie Eklof, Connie Watson, and Kristi Fisher, all of whom have families of their own. She also leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were a great source of pride and joy in her life. She is preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Ruby Parks, her husband, Henry Gardner, and all her siblings. After Henry left the Navy, he and Marie moved their family to Bremerton, Washington where they had two more daughters and lived until Henry retired. They then moved to Payette, Idaho to enjoy several years with extended family. She spent her last year of life at Payette Healthcare of Cascadia where she was endearingly taken care of by the staff, many of whom she fell in love with like her own children and grandchildren. Marie devoted her life to her family. Although she did not work outside of the home, she kept very busy raising her four daughters, gardening, canning, baking, and doing embroidery projects. She will be deeply missed by her family, neighbors, and friends. There will be a private interment service at Riverside Cemetery at a later date.