Lavell W. Gardner

Lavell W. Gardner passed away Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at her home in Snowflake, Arizona with her family at her bedside. She was 83 years old. Lavell was born on a Sunday, December 10, 1939, in what is known as Bellybutton, U.S.A. in Snowflake, Arizona to her parents, the late Linford Clyde and Della Ann (Butler) Webb. 

She was a graduated member of Snowflake High School's Class of 1957. She married Horald Norman "Butch" Gardner on December 12, 1956, in Snowflake, Arizona. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Lavell was a hardworking woman throughout her life. In her younger years, she worked as a clerk at the Courthouse in Holbrook and then worked as a secretary for the Papermill in Snowflake and, later, as a court transcriber and was able to work from the comfort of her own home. Lavell also worked for the F-Bar Cattle Company and, in 1984, she and her sister bought Shevell's LDS Book and Clothing Store in Snowflake. She worked there for many years and loved to meet the public as they would come into the store. For as busy as she was outside of her home, Lavell was even busier within the walls of her home and farm. She worked tirelessly alongside her husband growing sweet corn for many, many years. She was affectionately known as "The Corn Lady" throughout her community. Her family says of her, "she was the best homemaker" and was a loving wife, beloved mother and doting grandmother to her family. 

Even when she wasn't working at home or other businesses, Lavell served several years as a Councilwoman for the Snowflake Town Council. She was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many church callings throughout her life including those of Relief Society President, Primary President and visiting teacher. She loved her church family too.  

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Butch Gardner; 3 children: Lori Ann Gardner, Vicki (Bernie) Israelsen of Snowflake, AZ, Marty (Missy) of Snowflake, AZ; her sister, Sherry (Terry) Penrod of Snowflake, AZ; 5 grandchildren: Hunter Gardner, Becki (Gavin) Hunt, Andi (Jake) Cochran, Corey (Trent) Peterson, Jace (Caitlin) Gardner; 7 great-grandchildren: Terron Hunt, Deighton Hunt, Carston Hunt, Ryker Hunt, Rylen Hunt, Brixten Peterson, Brooke Peterson with another great-granddaughter, Allyson Gardner, due to arrive in October. Along with her parents, Lavell was preceded in death by her brother, Doyle Webb (when he was 6 years old) and by her sister, Colleen Cooper.

The graveside service will begin 9:00 A.M., Thursday, July 13, 2023, at the R.V. "Mike" Ramsay Memorial Cemetery in Snowflake.

Memorial contributions in her name to The Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois 60601 have been suggested by her family.