Betty Jo Gardner

She was born October 4, 1928, in Kincaid, Kansas, the 5th of 9 children born to Irl (Si) and Leona May Hinger.

She is survived by her children: Mike Gardner (Nancy), Roxanne Gardner, and Kevin Gardner (Teri); 8 grandchildren—one of whom is the favorite (there is still much debate as to who that is); 16 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, all eight of her siblings, her husband of 49 years and 364 days, Bill Gardner, and many of her dearest friends. She missed them all immensely.

Mom, as we sit and try to condense your life of more than 97 years into a few words, it is clear—by the piles of scattered papers on the table—that this is an impossible task. We are beginning to understand that no matter how many words we use or stories we tell, it won’t be enough—and that’s okay.

Those who knew you, whose lives you touched—and there are many—don’t need an obituary. And those who didn’t know you wouldn’t truly know you, no matter how many words we write. Still, with great care, we’ve tried to pare it down. These are the memories that made the cut.

Betty Jo, you were known by many names: Grandma, Grandma Grandma, GG-ma, Mrs. Gardner, Granny Peach, Tiny, Gardner—and of course, Mom.

Having lived with the crippling effects of polio since 18 months old, you often said one of your happiest days was when the polio vaccine became available to your children.

You loved doing the dishes and cleaning up the kitchen; BY YOURSELF—and you had the apron to prove it.

You were brave and selfless. You would always taste the milk to see if it had gone bad, if that’s not love. Now that you’re gone we’ll just have to throw it away

At the ripe old age of 96, you set the record as the oldest Wiggle Worm rider at Walters’ Fruit Ranch, recently voted Best U-Pick Farm.

You loved your Cardinals—both baseball and football. As a child you and your father would listen to the baseball games on an old tube radio. In 2011, you and Roxanne went to St. Louis and attended two games at Busch Stadium, cheering on Albert Pujols in his final year as a Cardinal. You stayed loyal when the football team left St. Louis. You were even at the NFC West game in Arizona in 2008 when they beat the Rams to clinch the division—you were tickled to death.

We have arrived at your bucket list, which was short and sweet:

1. To die in your home, surrounded by those you loved. ✔️

2. To live long enough for your youngest great-grandchild to remember you. He is seven years old, and he will not forget you. ✔️

These are all precious memories, but you will be remembered most for your love of children.

Mom, you loved children deeply. You taught Sunday School for more than half your life. You volunteered at Balboa for over 16 years. You cared for your grandchildren and great-grandchildren with such devotion—giving rides, showing up, and making sure they felt seen and valued, because it mattered so much to you.

Your love for children defined you. In so many ways, you were a comforter. You didn’t need a place at the main table—you were happiest at the kids’ table. That was exactly where you wanted to be, and we will never forget that.

You helped all of us so much. You cared not only for your own family, but also for friends’ children—and even their children. You touched countless lives through the love you gave to children—more than we will ever know.

And when asked how you wanted to be remembered, these were your own words:

“I loved children. I cared for them, taught them, and enjoyed it immensely.”

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday April 25, 2026 at 1PM at Faith Bible Church, 440 W Cora Ave., Spokane, Wa 99205

The family welcomes acts of kindness offered in her memory. Donations may be made to: UGM, Christ’s Kitchen or Tunnels 2 Towers.