Bernadean Violet Casner

Bernadean Gretchen Casner, 98 yrs., passed away on January 1, 2016 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Gretchen is preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Dortha Mae (Brown) Clayton, her husband, Jack T. Casner, daughter, Jill; sister, Dorothy Lee Sunday, and brother, Jim Clayton. Gretchen is survived by her son, Jack Casner; grandchildren Steven C. Casner (Zeynep) and Stacey Pena (Ruben); great-grandchildren, Gwen Pena, Jacob Pena, and Luke Pena; niece, Ginger (Peter) Evans and nephew, Don Sunday. Gretchen was born in Kansas in 1917 to Clarence and Dortha Mae (Brown) Clayton. The Clayton family moved shortly after her birth to Alaska. She spent her adolescent years in Colorado. She was to settle in Fresno, CA. with husband Jack T. Casner where they owned and operated Casner Drug Stores. They later retired to Palm Springs, CA. After the passing of her longtime love “Jack”, she spent her remaining years in Corpus Christi, TX. Gretchen and Jack traveled the world together enjoying the beauty that this world has to offer. Whether Gretchen was flying their plane as a pilot or driving their RV, Gigi (as her grandchildren affectionately called her) was always in control of her destiny. She was a truly exceptional lady and always the “life of the party”. She lived life to its fullest. Her generosity and passion for her family will never be forgotten. Her grandson lovingly named her the “Goose”; our special, wonderful Goose has taken flight to eternal peace to join Papa Jack and her daughter Jill. She will be laid to rest in Fresno, CA next to her husband and daughter at the Belmont Memorial Cemetery. Donations can be made in Gretchen’s name to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America via phone 1-866-232-8484 or online at http://www.alzfdn.org/ContributetoAFA/makeadonation.html.