GARDNER, Almena Elizabeth (COMBS)

COMBS, GARDNER, MAIN, GUNTER

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 4/23/2015 at 09:25:59

Obituary ~ Almena Elizabeth (Combs) Gardner
November 03, 1837 ~ May 19, 1920

Decatur County Journal
Leon, Decatur County, Iowa

Center Township, Leon
By MARILYN RIDGWAY

ALMENA ELIZABETH COMBS GARDNER, daughter of JOHN and ANNA COMBS, was born in Stark County, Ohio, Nov. 3, 1837 and died May 19, 1920. Her childhood was spent in Ohio. The family was planning to move to Iowa when her father died unexpectedly. However, in the year 1857, she, her mother and her sister, FRANCES S. COMBS, settled in Leon, Iowa. They came by railroad to Ottumwa, Iowa, and from there the journey was made in wagon loaded with household effects.

On Sept. 9, 1858, she was united in marriage to Dr. ROBERT D. GARDNER of Leon. To this union was born a son, CHARLES EDGAR GARDNER of Leon. Her husband preceded her in death. He died Sept. 13, 1912, age 86 years, 7 months and 13 days. On Feb. 3, 1915 she was called upon to grieve the death of her son.

[Almena and Charles were interred at Leon Cemetery.

Her will was published in the Decatur County Journal, May 27, 1920. She was a wealthy lady and left money to numerous relatives and friends. She bequeathed $1,000 to all her nieces and nephews. MILLARD GARDNER was a nephew. He was also married to the great aunt or their grandmother Smith’s sister of ALICE MAIN and CARRIE MAIN GUNTER.

She left $2,000 to the Leon Cemetery Association for the purpose of building a chapel. This was used in the building of the padoga. $30,000 was given to Decatur County, Iowa, to be applied in the construction of a hospital.

A Doller Spent in Decatur County Helps to Build Decatur County

Transcription by Sara Rose Joan LeFleur