Mary E. Gardner 1863-1953

GARDNER, EMERSON, WEST, KINYON, BARNES

Posted By: Cindy Bray Lovell (email)
Date: 9/11/2004 at 19:26:53

CHURDAN RITES FOR MARY ELLEN GARDNER

Funeral services for Mary Ellen Gardner were held in the Baptist church of Churdan at 2 p.m. Tuesday, with Rev. George C. Foster, pastor, officiating.

Mrs. Niles Wittfoth and Mrs. Alta Flack, accompanied by Mrs. Chester Marsh, sang "Sweet By and By" and "Does Jesus Care."
Pallbearers were Joe Towers, Ormas Fackler, Ray LeGore, Jesse Lorentzen, Claude Silbaugh and Cecil Ferguson. Interment was m Highland township cemetery, Churdan.

Mary Ellen Gardner, daughter of Joseph and Catherine Emerson, was born in Allamakee County, on the second day of September 1863 and passed away at the Greene county hospital in Jefferson on Jan. 21, at the age of 89 years, four months and 22 days.

She was the third of a family of seven children, five girls and two boys, all having preceded her in death. Also two granddaughters and a great grandson. She came with her parents to Churdan in October, 1880 and has resided in and around Churdan ever since.

On Dec. 12, 1883 she was united in marriage to W. H. Gardner. To this union five children were born, (Eleanor) Mrs. J. L. West of Wadena, Minn.; (Jessie) Mrs.. Z. L. Kinyon of Lohrville; A. B. Gardner of Paton; (Flossie) Mrs. Elmer Barnes of Arkansas City, Kan.; Eugene of Churdan who survive her; also 13 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren two great great grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.

She united with the Kendrick Baptist church when a young woman, later going into the church at Churdan. Her husband passed away Sept. 25. 1939. For the last 10 years, due to failing health, she has made her home with her children.

source: Jefferson Bee; January 27, 1953