Alberta M Gardner

Born April 19, 1926 in Pekin to Edward A. and Lena Behrends Young, she married Jesse Oren on May 22, 1948. She later married Ferd Gardner, Sr. on September 11, 1954. He died August 22, 1958 in Peoria. She was also preceded in death by her parents and five sisters (Pearl, Grace, Dorothy, Eileen, and Thelma).

Surviving are two daughters, Joyce A. (John) Whitby and Phyllis S. (Steve) Coffman, both of Peoria; one son, Wayne A. (Janet) Gardner of Farmington; seven grandchildren, Lisa A. (Mike) Brownfield and Wendy D. Stillman, both of Pekin, Angela L. Whitby of Havana, Tracy J. Coffman of Peoria; Misty S. (Charles) Kincaid of Galesburg, and Jennifer L. Gardner and Amber N. Gardner, both of Farmington; six great-grandchildren; Matthew J. Mackey, Jakob H. Brownfield, and Kayla M. Mackey, all of Pekin, Brittany N. Whitby of East Peoria, Tori L. Richards of Havana, and Tiffany L. Rook of Farmington; one great-great-granddaughter, Haylee Mackey of Pekin; and two brothers, James Young of Peoria and Robert (Gwen) Howard of Hanna City.

Alberta worked in housekeeping for many years at Jefferson Bank and later Bank One in Peoria, retiring in 1996.

She was a former member of Saint John's Catholic Church in Peoria.

Alberta enjoyed spending time with her family, going to Senior World in Peoria, doing crossword puzzles, playing bingo, and watching television.

Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, January 5, 2006at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Gary L. Ford will officiate. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to Senior World, 719 North William Kumpf Boulevard, Peoria, Illinois 61605.