Addie Louise Benton Gardner

Louise Gardner, a longtime resident of Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully on Monday evening, May 18, 2009, in Dallas, at age 85. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Louise continued to serve as a blessing and inspiration to others throughout her life. She was born and reared in Norwood. She graduated as high school valedictorian and subsequently attended Southeastern Louisiana University on a scholarship. Louise was known and loved for her kindness and broad range of talents which she generously shared with others through many years of service to her church and community. A lifelong Baptist, Louise enjoyed teaching Bible studies to youth as well as involvement in WMU service activities. An accomplished baker, seamstress and flower gardener, she delighted in utilizing her talents and abilities to bring joy to others. Louise was the consummate homemaker and was happiest when surrounded by family and friends. Louise was preceded in death by her mother and father, Emmie DeLee Benton and Mack Bridges Benton; the love of her life and husband of 57 years, Edwin Charles "Ed" Gardner Sr.; son, Edwin Charles "Charlie" Gardner Jr.; brothers, Carl S Benton, Marion G. Benton and Robert E. Benton; and niece, Vickie Benton Bentley. She is survived by a brother, Mack T. Benton; a sister, Loucille Benton Martinez; daughter, Dr. Jan Gardner Brobst and fiancé David Browning, of Lafayette; son, Frank Benton "Ben" Gardner and his wife, Donna Wease Gardner, of Central City; daughter-in-law, Jean Prescott Gardner, of Baker; five grandchildren, Dr. Robert William "Bo" Brobst Jr. and his wife, Dr. Jennifer Boothe Brobst, of Chicago, Edwin Charles "Eddie" Gardner III and his wife, Andie Lively Gardner, of Mansfield, Texas, Michael Prescott Gardner and his wife, Shari Cox Gardner, of Central City, Ty Austin Gardner, of Denham Springs, and Gina Elese Gardner, of Central City; five great-grandchildren, Regan and Jenna Gardner, both of Mansfield, Chloe and Caden Gardner, both of Central City, and Addison "Addie" Phillips Brobst, of Chicago. She is also survived by nephews Andy Benton and Robert Benton Jr.; and nieces Diane Murphy, Peggy Hebert, Sherry Benton, Brenda Boshears, Molly Link, Tammy Fritts, Kathy Curry and Elizabeth Doucet. Heartfelt appreciation is extended to the entire staff of Buckner Retirement for their expert medical attention and loving Christian care of Louise during her lengthy journey with Alzheimer's. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Saturday, May 23, from 1 p.m. until service at 2 p.m., followed by burial in Hillcrest Cemetery, Norwood, with the Rev. Dennis Allen officiating. A scholarship has been established in Louise's memory. Individuals interested in making a donation may direct contributions to the Addie Louise Gardner Scholarship Fund c/o South Louisiana Community College, 320 Devalcourt St., Lafayette, LA 70506.