Irene Gardner

Born December 8, 1916 in Fulton County to Thomas E. and Anna (Zilch) Widger, she married Vernon P. Gardner on January 1, 1940 in Kahoka, Missouri. He died November 17, 1984 in Peoria. She also was preceded in death by four sisters, LaVonne Black, Edith Coultas, Thelma Melvin and Naomi Widger, who died at an early age and four brothers, Aubrey Widger, her twin brother Ivan Widger, Charles Clifford Widger and Marvin Widger, who also passed away at birth.

Surviving are one daughter, Mindy Renee Gardner of Pekin, who was her caregiver for the past 3 years and with whom she made her home. She also leaves two special nieces, Martha Coultas Strode and Nancy Coultas Reinertsen and a special nephew, Bill Coultas.

Irene owned and operated Irene’s Beauty Shop in Canton from 1940 to 1978.

She enjoyed cross stitching and quilting.

Irene was of the United Methodist faith.

Private Graveside services will be held Monday, January 20, 2014 at Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin. The Rev. Ronald Little will officiate. There will be no visitation. Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin is in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Disabled American Veterans at P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com