Betty Marie Gardner

Born February 6, 1929 in Pekin to Peter J. and Marie T. (Starr) Johnson, she married James Edward Gardner on December 13, 1952 in Pekin. He died on February 7, 2004. She also was preceded in death by her parents and one son, James J. Gardner on June 25, 2020.

Surviving are one son, Bradley (Linda) Gardner of Pekin; seven grandchildren, Michael (Cayce) Gardner, Ryan (Kelly) Gardner, Penny (Jay) Glidewell, all of Pekin, Angela (Bill) Stauthammer of Peoria, Jeremy Gardner, Brandon Gardner and Sheena Gardner, all of Pekin and ten great-grandchildren, Jordan, Ashlyn, Lavina, Chloe, Jozi, Jorja, Lily, Hope, Addistyn and Keller.

She had formerly worked for Middle States Telephone Company, Standard Brands and Montgomery Ward. She was a devoted wife and mother and her most important job was being a stay at home mother when her kids were young. She enjoyed gardening, knitting, baking and interior design. Betty also had volunteered her time with the American Heart Association, March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, Multiple Sclerosis and Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Betty was a born again Christian and her faith was important to her.

Her funeral will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 23, 2021 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Pastor James West will officiate. Visitation will be one hour before the funeral. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com