Velma Gardner

VELMA GARDNER

1929-2017

We are so thankful for the life and legacy of Velma Goldman Gardner, who has passed at the age of 88 on November 21, 2017 after a brief stay at North Canyon Care Center, in Bountiful, Utah.  She was the first daughter born March 12, 1929 to William Loren Goldman and Hilda Heiner in Los Angeles, California.  In 1940 her family moved to Farmington, Utah. Velma graduated from Davis High School in 1947.

She met the son of her high school debate coach and married Max Clive Gardner in the Salt Lake Temple on January 24, 1947. Mom and Dad celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in 2017. She lived in California, Utah and Wyoming during her married life.  She is the mother of Michael C. Gardner (wife Judy Evans), Patti Kay Williams (husband Mark Williams) and D. Max Gardner (wife Jenifer Wollum).  She was a devoted grandmother who cherished Mike E. Gardner, Cathy Thomas, Jason Williams, Janae Tuttle, Jeffrey Williams; and Ben, Brad and Mallory Gardner.  She is known by or called “Grandma Great” to 22 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother Verl Goldman.  She is survived by her husband Max; her sisters Marlene Olson, Pat Anderson (husband Ken Anderson) and Susan  Behling; as well as all of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The family is profoundly grateful to Cheryl Cloward and Gail Baggs, who rendered loving care to Velma these past several years.  Gratitude is also extended to South Davis Hospice for their compassionate service.

A child from the Depression and a youth during World War II, Mom claimed being left-handed made her extra tough. She was right. She laughed with abandon and had a rapier wit.  She loved the color blue and crooners like Perry Como and Andy Williams. Her favorite movie was Gone with the Wind, but she was all-in for Team Edward. She loved everything England, and she vacationed there.  She was a painter and a pianist. She collected antiques and was an astute historian of her time.  She insisted upon tradition, including family holiday programs when even the reticent were called upon to perform in some way.  Mom decried her lack of post-high school education.  Yet, Velma was singular in wisdom and knowledge. She was the hardest worker of us all.  She was a leader who inspired, motivated and unified her family, who have accomplished nothing but for her. She made lasting impressions on whoever she met and wherever she lived.   She always and truly listened. Beautiful, and unforgettable. Our irreplaceable, beloved, and best friend.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at the Springhill Ward Chapel, 351 Lofty Lane, North Salt Lake, Utah where friends may visit family from 9:30-10:30 am prior to services.  Interment Bountiful City Cemetery. Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Bountiful Mortuary.