Amber Elizabeth Gardenhire

Amber Elizabeth Alexander Gardenhire went to her Heavenly home on Monday, November 4, 2024. Her father, Everett Aaron Alexander, met her there with open arms and a huge embrace. Amber was the loving wife of Chase, daughter of Tammy and Everett Alexander, sister to Megan and Zach, mother to her fur-baby, Riley, and friend to so many.

Amber was born in Houston on October 16, 1992. After spending time in East Texas, the family settled in Round Rock, Tx. There, Amber graduated from Stony Point High School where she was a cheerleader and made many lifelong friends. After graduation, Amber attended Texas State University where she majored in Nutrition. She could often be found working out at the campus rec center, going on campus runs, or frequenting every coffee shop possible. While at Texas State, she met the “love of her life”, Chase. They married in the Bahamas on June 23, 2018. Amber held many roles in the healthcare industry working as a CNA, attending nursing school, and working as a patient liaison for insurance companies. Her passion was ensuring those she encountered receive the best in healthcare, even as she was facing the biggest challenges of her own life.

Anyone who knew Amber can tell you about her love for life and the fierceness by which she lived it. Amber had a vivacious, strong-willed nature yet she was the ultimate compassionate, empathetic soul. She loved beautiful things and brought beauty to every situation. Her dry sense of humor and infectious laugh were contagious. If she knew you, she loved you…Big!!! Amber had a love for family, friends, chatting on the phone, planning (not punctuality!), coffee and chocolate! But most of all, she loved Chase and their dog, Riley, and the life they had built together.

Amber is survived by her husband, Chase; mother, Tammy Alexander (Bill); sister, Megan Alexander McCullough (Corbin); brother, Zachery Alexander; “surrogate fathers”, William Allan Alexander (Arlene) and Richard Andrew Alexander (Rose); and her nephew, Alexander McCullough, who was her pride and joy. She will be missed by her extended family and the many friends who loved her deeply. Although her days here on Earth may have been short, her impact will be everlasting.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 22, 2024 at the First Baptist Church in Athens, Tx at 11am followed by a memorial at the family farm outside of Athens.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Glioblastoma Foundation to fund research to find new therapies for the care and cure for GBM.

Please make sure to put First Baptist Church, 105 S Carroll Street, Athens, TX 75751 as the floral recipient if you choose to send flowers to the family.