Betty L. Gardner

Betty L. Gardner, 83, of Pekin, IL passed away at 4:40 PM Sunday, January 22, 2012 at Pekin Manor. Betty was born on October 22, 1928 in Halfway, Kentucky to Murl and Dixie (Willoughby) Thacker. She married Douglas Gardner on February 8, 1947 in Pekin, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents, one son, Robert D. Gardner, two grandsons, Jeffrey and Jacob Gardner, two sisters and one brother. Surviving are: her husband, Doug of Pekin; two sons, Tom Gardner and Gary (Robin Wheeler) Gardner both of Pekin; daughter in law, Cheryl Gardner of Ankeny, Iowa; five grandchildren, Corey Gardner, Danielle Bernier, Michelle Madden, Chris Reed and Jessica Carrington; sixteen great grandchildren; one brother, Fae (Pauline) Thacker of Pekin. Betty started working in the engineering department at Caterpillar, Inc. She retired as supervisor of office services in 1983 after working 25 years. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary William Schaefer Post #44 and charter member since 1959 of the Three Lakes Sportsman's Club near Victoria, IL.After retiring she took up painting and became an accomplished painter. She and her husband spent many winters at their home on Lake Okeechobee, Florida. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time at the family cabin near Victoria. Funeral services will be at 1:30 PM Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at Henderson Funeral Home in Pekin. Officiating will be Rev. Judy Doyle. Visitation will be from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Tuesday, January, 24 at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Illinois Chapter Alzheimer's Association. Cemetery Glendale Memorial Gardens 18119 Illinois Route 9 Pekin,IL 61554 Visitation Tuesday, January 24, 2012 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Henderson Funeral Home and Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554 Service Wednesday, January 25, 2012 1:30 PM Henderson Funeral Home and Crematory 2131 Velde Dr. Pekin,IL 61554