Ruby Arthella Gardner

Ruby Arthella Gardner, 88, passed away at her home in Hamilton on Monday August 15, 2011, with her children at her side.

Arthella was born on July 12, 1923 in Milo, Idaho, the second of six children born to Jesse and Ruby Ferguson.

Arthella grew up on the family farm in Milo, where she learned early in life the value of working hard. She attended high school in Ucon, Idaho, and during her senior year she met her future husband Morris Gardner. They were married on December 19, 1942, and were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls Temple on November 10, 1948.

In 1950 she and husband Morris moved to the Bitterroot Valley where they purchased a farm just north of Woodside. Arthella was mother to four children, Davar, Valene, Kevin and Vickie. She and Morris started Gardner's Auction Service in 1960. She is remembered most for sitting next to Morris, clerking the many auctions which they conducted for over 40 years. She had a love for sewing and quilting, gardening, raising berries, and making jam. She was a loving and dedicated wife and mother.

She was a lifetime member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and enjoyed serving in the many callings that she held. She is preceded in death by her father and mother, one brother, one sister and husband Morris. Survivors include a sister Arla, 2 brothers Dearold and Veron, a son Davar (Vicky), daughter Valene Osburn (Rod), son Kevin (Lynda) and daughter Vickie Kearns (Randy), plus 14 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.

The family request that memorials be made to Aspen Hospice (107 Bell Crossing W. Stevensville) who cared for Arthella the last few months of her life.