Anna Alberta Gardner

Anna Alberta (Steel) Gardner, 100 years old, resident of Cornville passed away at home, surrounded by her family, on Monday, July 9, 2007. She was born in Orange, Vermont of Swedish immigrant parents, Carl and Selma (Petersen) Steel. Anna's first language was Swedish; she was taught to speak English in grade school. Once she learned her new language she loved it; she spent hours reading everything from Shakespeare to Louie La'More! She also loved poetry and could recite long passages by heart. When Anna was 20, she met and married her husband, Arthur Franklin Gardner in Los Angeles, California. Most of their married life, they spent in Arizona, as Arthur was born in the Arizona Territory in 1897. Although Anna was born where she could see the northern lights, deep snows, and green summers she became a true westerner. She was a crock-shot with a rifle and loved camping and hunting. She was often found being her husband's right-hand man in his welding shop. Anna had five children; two of whom died as infants. Of the three surviving adults, two reside in Cottonwood-Tim Arthur Gardner-a local businessman, and Flora Kathleen Sobel. Ted Grant Gardner lives in Arkansas. Anna also leaves behind 9 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren. Arthur passed away at the age of 90. Anna was a witty person and had a fun-loving spirit about her. She shall be deeply missed. A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 16, 2007 ay 11:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cottonwood, located on Hombre Drive.