Sherri Gardner

Sherri Lynn Gardner, 65, passed away February 19, 2019, at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Sherri passed surrounded by her loving family. Sherri was born April 21,1953, to Owen F. Gardner and Zelma Empey. At age 18 months, her mother passed away and Owen remarried six months later to Etta Almira Waters Allen. Etta raised her as her own. Most of Sherri’s childhood was spent on a ranch in East Fork of the Salmon River. She graduated from Challis High School in Idaho. On September 22, 1972, she married Royal Wade Gardner in Jamestown, Idaho. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Idaho Falls, Idaho Temple. Sherri and Wade have five children: Melanie, Anitra, ElJay, Dallon, and Doug. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities throughout her life. Sherri was happiest when she could be outside. She loved camping and fishing with her family. She enjoyed gardening. She especially loved her roses. Sherri was a very skilled and talented seamstress. She spent hours making clothes, quilts, and many creations for Doug’s needs. Sherri was very accomplished in nursing. She did not have a degree, but she learned a large amount of skills as she learned how to care for her youngest son, who was severely physically handicapped. She spent many hours at Shriners Hospital learning these skills. Sherri also served on the Shriners Hospital Ethics Committee Board. She was an outstanding caregiver and worked tirelessly to make sure that her husband and children, especially Doug, had all of their needs met. Sherri loved to paint and enjoyed all kinds of crafts. Sherri was an excellent cook, as long as she did not have to follow the recipe! She was good at baking and Dutch oven cooking. You would never go hungry with her around. She loved being a mom, but really loved being Grandma! Sherri is survived by her loving husband, Royal “Wade” Gardner of Idaho Falls, ID; daughter, Melanie (Eric) Henry of Grants Pass, OR; daughter, Anitra (Brock) Neibaur of Pocatello, ID; son, ElJay (Melissa) Gardner of Idaho Falls, ID; son, Dallon Gardner of Idaho Falls, ID; 4 sisters; 3 brothers; 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Owen and Zelma; her step-mother, Etta; son, Douglas Gardner; six brothers and two sisters. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 26, 2019, at the Lincoln 5th Ward Building, 4440 E. High Grove Road. The family will visit with friends and family Monday from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road, and Tuesday from 11:00-11:45 a.m. prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Iona Cemetery.