Thetis S. Gardner

Thetis Sanderford Gardner of San Antonio and Carrizo Springs, TX died Saturday, May 27, 2006. Thetis was born on March 19, 1927 in Belton, TX. Her husband, Edward O'Meara Gardner; her parents, John Roy and Thetis Campbell Sanderford and brother, John Roy Sanderford, Jr. predeceased her.

Thetis attended the University of Texas at Austin and was a member of Pi Beta Phi Sorority. She is remembered as a Sweetheart finalist and Ten Most Beautiful. During her senior year she married Edward Gardner and moved to Carrizo Springs with him. Until his death in 1991, she kept her home there. Afterward she lived in San Antonio.

She was a beautiful woman, a good wife, a wonderful mother and grandmother and a loving friend. Her life was devoted to her six daughters and their families. They all loved her and were devoted to her.

From early adulthood she was deaf, so she became an expert lip reader. Her way of managing this handicap was inspiring to her family and to all who knew her. She maintained a good sense of humor throughout her life. On occasion, she would say that with six children her deafness at times was a blessing.

She is survived by her six daughters and their families, Erin G. Bowman; Tara G. Eastland and husband, Stacy; Sean G. Turner; Thetis G. LeMaistre; Dana G. Wilson and husband, Pete and Megan G. Pipes and husband, Tommy; grandchildren, Charles B. Tennison, Jr. and wife, Diane; Casey Tennison; Miss Marrs Bowman; Tara Leclerc and husband, Real; Gardner Eastland and wife, Meredith; Court LeMaistre and wife, Jessica; Collin LeMaistre; T. C. and Thetis Turner; Katie and Charles "Charlie" Wilson III; Mollie and Mason Pipes; great grandchildren, Olivia and Noah Tennison; Isabelle; Eloise and Pierce Leclerc; sister, Susan Bragg.

The family expresses their thanks and gratitude to Elizabeth and the Forum Staff, Dr. Ken Smith, Patti Zapata and Vista Care Staff, Holly and Paulette and the Nix Caregivers, Dr. Earle, Dr. Carry and the Northeast Baptist Staff.