Evelyn M Gardner

Born May 13, 1924 in Bartonville to Julius Wilson and Marie Madgelene (Hubner) Dieckow, she married John Richard Westrope on March 1, 1940 in Davenport, Iowa.  She later married Roy Frederick Gardner on August 21, 1959 in Glasford.  He preceded her in death on July 12, 1991 in Peoria.  She also was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, and one half-sister.

Surviving are one son, Larry G. (Sandra) Westrope of Morrisville, Pennsylvania; one daughter, Sue M. (Michael) Peterson of Canton; seven grandchildren, one step granddaughter, and twelve great-grandchildren. 

During World War II, Evelyn worked for Middle States Telephone Company in Pekin as a telephone operator for over eight years.  She later worked as a switchboard operator for the Tazewell Hotel in Pekin for a few years.   

She enjoyed sewing, traveling and spending time with her family.

She was a member of First Baptist Church in Glasford.

Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Friday, July 11, 2008 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, where visitation will be one hour before the funeral.  Rev. Paul D. Cook will officiate.  Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Stroke Association, Memorial and Tributes Lockbox, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.