Grace Gardner

GRACIE GARDNER IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Grace "Gracie" LaVern Wickam Gardner, 83, passed away February 7, 2009 Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center of natural causes. She was born November 29, 1925 in Minam, Oregon, to Jessie Henry Wickam and Dorles Pearl Grimshaw Wickam. As a child, she lived in Atlanta, Idaho and later moved to Idaho Falls, where she lived the rest of her life. She married LJay Gardner on January 30, 1943 in Ririe, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple on April 10, 1956. LJay passed away March 28, 1973. Gracie was a mother and a homemaker and sold Tupperware products for 30 years. Gracie was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She enjoyed fishing, camping, crocheting, and genealogy. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, and extended family. Survivors include: Son: Royal Wade Gardner, Idaho Falls, ID Daughter-in-Law: Sherri Lynn Gardner, Idaho Falls, ID Sister: Gail Sandoval, New Mexico 6 Grandchildren: Melanie Gardner, Anitra (Brock) Neibaur, ElJay (Melissa) Gardner and Dallon Gardner, and 8 Great-Grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband LJay; her infant son, Sheryl; her sister Gladys; and a grandson, Douglas Gardner. Graveside Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 14, 2009 at the Ashton-Pineview Cemetery, with Bishop Doug Hillman of the Idaho Falls LDS 24th Ward officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. ---------------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Carolyn Martineau I loved Grace. She was a charming and delightful person. I was able to help her with some family history work. I used to live in New Mexico and I know that little place where her sister lives. My condolences to you all. Jan Hutchinson hutchjc@silverstar.com The past two weeks my thoughts have been flooded with memories Gracie and I shared over the past thirty plus years. Hours and hours of shared experiences as we traveled highways, back roads and hiking trails. Hunting, camping, fishing, mushroom and berry picking, cutting wild asparagus, gardening and gathering firewood as well as sewing and crocheting were among the activities we enjoyed doing together. She frequently shared her love of the gospel and focusing on missionary work eventually helped me and my family understand and grow to love the gospel and the LDS Church resulting in five converts. In more recent years, Temple work became our focus as her physical strength and abilities waned. I learned much about living from her whether out-of-doors or sitting quietly listening to her many stories of growing up and living in the mountains. My daughters and grandchildren adored and loved her as I have and we will all miss her . . . . . . .until we can someday join her and renew our bonds. We share these loving thoughts and our prayers with all who have known and loved Gracie. Jan & Don Hutchinson and Lynsey Ptacek