Kenneth Clarence Gardner

CENTENARIAN | 103 YEARS

1917 - 2020

Early Life: Kenneth was born October 4, 1917, in Salem, Utah, to Hugh Vernon Gardner and Laura Mae Stanger Gardner. The family moved from Utah to Idaho Falls, Idaho. He attended school through the 8th grade, and just started high school when he decided it wasn't for him and quit. Instead, Kenneth started working for his Uncle Herm in the construction business.

Life's Work | Service | Interests: He married Juanyta Jones, and had one son, Jack. They divorced after he returned from the United States Army. He was working for Burggraaf Construction, when he stopped at a café in Sugar City, Idaho, for some lunch. There he met the love of his life, Lois Eva Bird. They were married June 14, 1947, in St. Anthony, Idaho, and had four children: Eileen (Kendall) Jenkins, Albert (Donna) Gardner, Shirleen (Mark) Hibbert, Lorraine Best. Moving from Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Corvallis, Montana, on October 15, 1952, his dad bought a farm and Kenneth bought his own construction equipment to start his own business. During retirement, he liked to travel, fish, and was always fixing something. He lived a good life having many years of enjoyment with family, friends, and neighbors. He will be sorely missed, leaving a hole in his loved ones' hearts. Kenneth Clarence Gardner, of Corvallis, Montana, passed away Saturday, December 26, 2020, at home surrounded by his family. He was 103.

Family Message: The family would like to extend a special thanks to his wife, the caregivers, friends, neighbors, doctors, Marcus Daly Hospital staff and hospice for helping with the care of Kenneth. Dad always called flowers weeds, so in his honor, please donate to your favorite charity or organization.

Survived By: His loving wife of 73 years, Lois Bird Gardner; his five children, three sisters, 15 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren with one on the way, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Preceded In Death By: Parents, three brothers, granddaughter, and grandson-in-law.

Service: Graveside

Interment: Corvallis Cemetery

Military Honors: US Army & Corvallis American Legion

Arrangements & Obituary: © 2020 | Daly-Leach Chapel

Bio compiled by: Annie Duckett Hundley