ROBERTA GARDNER

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ROBERTA MILDRED GARDNER (McCoy) of Tuxford, passed away Friday, February 25, 2005 at Providence Place in Moose Jaw.  Roberta was the loving wife of Bill Gardner who predeceased her in 1996. She was also predeceased by her parents, George and Ethel McCoy; sisters: Elizabeth McCoy, Anna Bentley, Molly Newsham; brother, Bill McCoy; grandsons: Joey Gardner, Christopher Gardner, Jacob Cozma-Hatfield; nieces: Dixie Young, Maureen Norman and Jeanne Leipert. Roberta is survived by her sons: Bev (Deborah) Gardner of Regina, Bob (Lorette) Gardner of Moose Jaw; daughters: Brenda (Don) Hanson of Moose Jaw, Elizabeth Gardner/Cozma of Regina; grandchildren: Annette Gardner-Frank (Rob Frank), Charleen (Mike) Gregorash, Jennifer Gardner, Shona Relland, Jim & John Hanson, Bettina (Ian) Welsh, Willis Cozma (Andree Hatfield), Chad Cozma; eleven great-grandchildren; sisters: Norma (Albert) Gardner of Moose Jaw and Eileen (Robert) Young of Moose Jaw; brother-in-law, Art Bentley and several nieces and nephews. Roberta was born on March 2, 1929 in Moose Jaw and was raised on the McCoy family homestead near Tuxford.  She attended Normal School and became a teacher and taught at Old Wives Lake, Dysart, and other schools. In 1950, she married her beloved husband Bill Gardner in Zion United Church. They farmed in the Keeler and Marquis districts until they finally settled on the McCoy family homestead in 1960. Roberta stayed at home and helped with the farming whilst lovingly raising their four children.  She was a member of the Tuxford St. Paul’s United Church and for a few years was Choir teacher.  She also kept involved in various Tuxford community functions.  In 1969, she worked at the Providence Hospital, then took a business course at STI and took employment with Lloyd Realty.  She then worked at Provincial Social Services as a Clerk III Auditor for several years.  Roberta continued to alternate living on the family farm and in Moose Jaw even after her husband’s passing.  Roberta loved the farm life and also enjoyed reading, playing cards, baking, gardening and sports.  She especially treasured the wonderful visits with family and friends.  Roberta loved God and it showed through her own commitment and loving devotion to her family.  Funeral Services for Roberta Gardner will be held on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at 1:30 p.m. in the W.J.Jones & Son Funeral Chapel, Moose Jaw.  Reverend Molly Kitchen will officiate.  Interment will follow at Rosedale Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held Monday evening 7-9 p.m. at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Providence Place Foundation, 100 2nd Ave. N.E., Moose Jaw, S6H 1B8 or to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 104, 2301 Ave. C. North, Saskatoon, S7L 5Z5. In living memory of Roberta, a tree will be planted in Wakamow Valley by W.J.Jones & Son Funeral Home.   

Guest Book

Bob Puddell and family: Condolences to Roberta's family - May she rest in peace.

Sheri Mohninger - Fort McMurray, AB: I'm so sorry to hear of Aunt Bert's passing.  We wish we could be there for support but please know our thoughts are with you as this very difficult time.  All our love...

Gail Sullivan - Surrey, BC: May you sense His peace in this most difficult time.  Someone once said, "A teardrop on earth summons the King of heaven."  God, feels your pain.  We, feel your pain.  Don and I had the awesome pleasure of spending some wonderful Christian fellowship and times of prayer with Auntie Bert on her last trip out here.  She loved God and loved people.  Her life was full and blessed.  She, was a blessing to all those whose lives she touched!  I love my Aunt Bert, she always made me feel special, loved, accepted.  I will miss her.  My heart aches for you, her family.  But my heart rejoices for her as I know she is in the presence of the Almighty.  I can only offer you my prayers and concern in your time of sorrow, but remember this:  the Lord is holding out His arms to comfort you.   My love to all,   Gail and family

Ron Newsham and Family - Coquiltam, BC: Our hearts go out to all the family members (Gardners's and McCoy's) for the lost of Aunt Bert. We loved her dearly and she is in our hearts forever. When I spent time on the farm with Aunt Bert/Uncle Bill life was always filled with great deal of warmth and love which made me feel special. I will cherish these memories forever. We will dearly miss Aunt Bert and we hope all your lives were touched by her as mine was. Love Ron and family.

Kathy Young - Moose Jaw, SK: To Brenda, Don, and all Roberta's family - my thoughts are with all of you during this sad time.  I remember your Mom from many Tuxford events, she was such a nice lady.  She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.    With Sympathy     Kathy (Fowler) Young

Lloyd and Olive Hopper - Abbotsford B.C.: Condolences to Roberta's family and all the McCoy's in the loss of Roberta. She will be sadly missed by all of you. As her cousin I have many fond memories of her and of happy times as young people at the McCoy farm. May God be with all of you and bring you comfort at this time.  God Bless,  Olive & Lloyd.

Angela Mohninger Anderton - Fort McMurray, AB: I was saddened to hear of Aunt Bert's passing. She was a wonderful woman. Carl Buechner was once quoted as saying, "They may forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel!" This is true of Aunt Bert - the last family reunion I was able to attend with my grandmother Anna Bentley (Bert's sister) was when i was 14 years old - I remember nothing of what was said but I remember her loving, caring and kind disposition. If that is all that we take of a person - is that not the best part to take? She will be forever loved and remembered. You are in my thoughts always. Angie

Vivian Mohninger - Fort McMurray, AB: Our Condolences to Aunt Berts' family. I too share your loss and will miss Aunt Bert very much. She was always smiling and very kind. Her gentle manner got me thru many tough times growing up. We were always made to feel welcome and have many cherished memories of time spent with her, Uncle Bill and you,her family.....She will be in Gods memory, until his promised resurrection ..(John 5:28,29..Acts 24:15)

   A Mother's (Grandmother"s) Love is Forever
                As Children,
            we can't comprehend
               or fully realize
       The meaning of our mother's love,
          how tender and how wise,
         The patience and forgiveness
          that are part of every day,
         The unexpected "little things"
           she does in her own way.
           Years go by before we can
           look back on life and see
       Through older eyes and wiser hearts
              her love and loyalty,
               And yet it's these
             and other special things
               we'll hold so dear,
               For memories of
               her steadfast love
            will keep her ever near.

May Your Memories of your mother's love bring you comfort and peace of heart, now and through the days ahead. We are sorry we could not be with you today, However please know you are in our thoughts and prayers,   Love Viv & Don

Albert Giles - Brampton, Ont.:It was sad to hear of Aunt Bert's sickness and passing. Many have been affected by this news from both near & far.  My thoughts are with you as you go through this difficult time. I appreciated your support when I went through a similar loss. With Love - Albert

Elaine and Wayne Gill - Moose Jaw, Sask.: Wayne and I were very sorry to hear of your loss. We know how tough it can be to lose a loved one. Our thoughts were with you when we heard. Sincerely, Elaine.

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