Patricia Ann Gardner

Patricia Ann (Oxley) Gardner, 81, passed away peacefully on October 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving family after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born on March 17, 1944, in Santa Monica, California, to Gordon Oxley and Annabelle Adams.

Raised in Southern California, Patti spent her early years in La Verne and Manhattan Beach and graduated from Mira Costa High School with the Class of 1962. Before attending Mira Costa, she spent part of her high school years in Lee Vining, where she proudly competed on the ski team. Frequent moves during childhood helped shape her warm, outgoing personality and her lifelong ability to make friends wherever she went.

On June 20, 1964, Patti married the love of her life, James D. Gardner, at Holy Name of Mary Catholic Church in San Dimas, California. Together they shared over 61 years of marriage, building a home filled with love, laughter, and countless meaningful moments. They settled in Claremont, California, where they raised three daughters—Wendi, Theresa, and Jennifer—and instilled in them a deep sense of family, faith, and togetherness.

A talented artist and entrepreneur, Patti owned and operated a successful screen-printing business and expressed her creativity through painting, drawing, sculpting, and photography. She loved camping, fishing, and spending time outdoors—often teaching friends how to fish and earning a reputation for building the perfect campfire. She also enjoyed tennis, golf, and bowling. Deeply involved in her community, she supported her children’s activities as a Girl Scout leader and youth soccer coach and participated in the Chamber of Commerce, the Women’s Republican Club, local bowling leagues, and Bunco groups

Patti’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. “Grandma Patti” brought magic to every visit and family gathering, never missing a milestone. Whether taking the kids on special trips, planning games and adventures, or hosting her famous “all-the-holidays-in-one” parties, she filled each moment with creativity, joy, and unconditional love—creating memories her family will forever treasure.

Patti’s life was a reflection of joy, generosity, and love. She approached every day with adventure, humor, and gratitude, bringing people together in ways that made everyone feel like family. Her creative spirit found its way into everything she touched—whether planning a gathering, telling a story, or simply brightening someone’s day. Patti’s warmth, laughter, and kindness will be remembered always, and the legacy of her love will live on in the hearts of her family and friends for generations to come.

Patti is survived by her loving husband, James D. Gardner; her daughters, Wendi Henry (David) of Durango, CO, Theresa Johnson (Stan) of Rogers, AR, and Jennifer Holstrom (Paul) of Hesperia, CA; her cherished grandchildren, Aubrey Thompson (Michael), Taylor Kershner (Clayton), Ashley Groter (William Faulk), Kelli Henry, Bridget Henry, Emily Holstrom, and Brett Holstrom; great-grandchildren Cash, Mabel, Charlotte, and Hamish; and her siblings, Diane Wildfang (Fred), Kathleen Richie (James), and Gary Oxley (Jeanne).

She was preceded in death by her father, Gordon Oxley, her mother, Annabelle Harrell, and her beloved grandson, James Henry.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church, 9974 I Avenue, Hesperia, CA. Interment will follow at Desert View Cemetery, 11500 Amargosa Road, Victorville, CA. A light lunch reception will be held at Holy Family Catholic Church following the burial.