Catherine Ruth Gardner

Sr. Catherine Gardner 92, formerly Sr. Mary Clarence, died peacefully at Our Lady of Grace Monastery after a brief illness. She was born Catherine Ruth Gardner to the late Charles Martin and Sara Sadie (Tewell) Gardner in Loogootee, Indiana on May 6, 1918. Sr. Catherine entered Monastery Immaculate Conception, Ferdinand, IN, in 1935 and made her perpetual monastic profession in 1940. In 1955 she became a founding member of Our Lady of Grace Monastery, Beech Grove, IN. She received several degrees over the years; in Education from St. Benedict College, Ferdinand, IN; in Theology from St. John's, Collegeville, MN; in Religious Education from St. Mary, Winona, WI; and a Master's Degree in Education from St. Francis College in Fort Wayne, IN. This education prepared her for several different ministries during her career. She first began teaching in 1939 at St. Joseph School in Dale, IN. She then taught and was principal at St. Pius School, Troy, IN; St. Mary of the Knobs, Floyds Knobs, IN; St. Paul, Tell City, IN; and Christ the King, Indianapolis, IN. After her time in the classroom, Sr. Catherine was the formation director for her community and then became a director of Religious Education for Christ the King Parish, Indianapolis, St. Columba, Columbus and St. Mary, Mitchell all in Indiana. Sr. Catherine retired to Our Lady of Grace Monastery in 1993. Sr. Catherine was predeceased by her parents, her brothers Paul and Bill Gardner; her sisters, Helena Weber and Mary TenBarge. Her sister, Anna Eble of Evansville, IN, brother-in-law, Bill TenBarge of Evansville, IN, several nieces and nephews and her religious community survive her. Visitation will be held on Sunday, April 10th from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., with a wake service at 7:00 p.m. The funeral will be Monday, April 11th at 4:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. until the funeral. All services will take place in Our Lady of Grace Monastery chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to the Retired Sister's Fund, co Our Lady of Grace Monastery, 1402 Southern Avenue, Beech Grove, Indiana 46107. Little & Sons Funeral Home, Beech Grove, entrusted with arrangements. www.littleandsons beechgrove.com