Jane Clarissa Gardner

Jane Munro Gardner passed away on June 22, 2011 at Mountain Vista Health Care Center in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. She was born on April 8, 1914 in Evanston, Illinois. Jane lived in Arvada then moved to Mississippi in her early years. Her family moved back to the Arvada area in 1926. She graduated from Golden High School in 1932. After high school graduation, Jane attended nursing school, graduating in 1936 from Presbyterian Hospital. That same year, she married Russell Howard Gardner. She gave up her nursing career to raise five children.

Being a strong support for an Arvada Library, she was employed at the McIlvoy House, which used to be Arvada's main library in 1955. She retired from the Arvada Library in 1977. After retirement, Jane worked as a CNA at the Arvada Health Care Center doing what she loved--nursing. Jane was a charter member of the Arvada Historical Society. Being an avid historian of Arvada's history, Jane gave walking tours, slide programs, lectures and wrote two chapters for the book, "From Scratch". In 1989, Jane was Arvada's Woman of the Year. In 1993, she was honored by the Jefferson County Historical Commission and elected to the Jefferson County Hall of Fame. In recognition for this honor, her picture hangs in the Jefferson County Court House.

Jane was very active in Eastern Star serving as Worthy Matron. She, along with Russell, was one of the many founding members of the Arvada Presbyterian Church. She was very active in the church; teaching bible school, helping with Children's Church and active in her Women's Bible Study group. In her spare time, Jane loved to read, sew and was an excellent cook. She and Russell traveled around the world visiting many countries.

Jane Gardner is survived by four of her five children: daughters - Patricia Swanson (dec.), Ellen (Joe) McCullough, Grace Vachon, Roseanna Wilkie and her son, Bill (Niki) Gardner. She is also survived by 9 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

A Viewing will be held on Monday, June 27, 2011, 4:00-8:00PM at Crown Hill Mortuary, 7777 West 29th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, CO 80033.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 7, 2011, 11AM at the Arvada Presbyterian Church, 5592 Independence St., Arvada, CO 80002 with burial to follow at Crown Hill Cemetery.

Contributions in her honor may be made to Meals on Wheels or the Jefferson County Animal Shelter.