Kathelene Fenn Gardner

Kathelene Fenn Gardner passed peacefully on Wednesday, December 22, 2010, at her home in Woodruff, Arizona. She was born in Safford, Arizona, and raised in Pomerene, Arizona, the oldest girl of 10 children of Walter Leroy and Emma Leona Fenn. She was the mother of nine children, whom she raised by herself after her husband John Newton Gardner died in an accident when their youngest child was three years old. She was also a foster parent to many children. Kathelene was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, serving in the Primary, Young Women's, and was Relief Society President in the Woodruff Ward for 13 years. She served two missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: South Carolina Columbia Mission from 1979-1981 and Little Rock Arkansas Mission from 1986-1988. She served in the Mesa Arizona Temple for several years. Upon her husband's death, she took his position on the Woodruff Irrigation District Board and the Navajo County Soil Conservation Board. She also served on the Woodruff Board of Trustees for Woodruff School District for several years. She was sealed to John Newton Gardner in the Mesa Arizona Temple on June 16, 1939. She helped John with the farm, dairy and chicken business while raising their family. Her family was one of the most important things in her life. Kathelene is survived by her children: Brenda Johnson (Glen); David Gardner (Ann); Max Gardner (Virginia); Karen McLaws (Charles); Marvin Gardner (Nora); Peggy Goodman (Benny); Arnold Gardner; Donald Gardner (Connie); Aleda Gardner. At present she has 58 grandchildren, 153 great-grandchildren, and 29 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Margorie Anderson and two of her brothers: William Waldo Fenn and Lloyd Boyce. Funeral services will be held 10:00 am Monday, December 27, 2010 in the Woodruff Chapel of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A viewing be be held at 9:00 A.M. Monday morning prior to services at the church. Interment will be in the Woodruff Cemetery.