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Joe Ben Gardner, 68, passed away December 10, 2004. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Sue Gardner; his children, son, Frank Gardner and wife Anna; granddaughter and godchild, Raelyn of Lovington, New Mexico; his daughter, Rozanne Johnson and husband James of Lovington, New Mexico; brother, Jerry Gardner of Vegita, New Mexico, as well as, many nieces and nephews. Joe Ben was also godfather to Wacey Walraven, the grandson of his lifelong friend Dick Wellborn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jay T. and Mary Jo Gardner of Belen, New Mexico; his loving sister, Rozanne Jones; and nephew, Jerry Don Gardner. Joe Ben lived life to the fullest, enjoying many things, which was only exceeded by the love for his family and good friends. He was a 1954 graduate of Belen High School where he participated in varsity football and basketball. He attended New Mexico State University, where he was a member of the collegiate rodeo team. Through the years he enjoyed such hobbies as hunting, fishing, riding bareback horses, rodeoing with his kids, and supporting others in the sport of rodeo. He was a past member of the Rodeo Cowboy Association, T or C Chamber of Commerce, New Mexico High School Rodeo Association Board, and the International Union of Operating Engineers. He was also a member of the New Mexico Water and Wastewater Association and the Cowboy Alumni Association. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Belen, New Mexico located at 401 Becker Avenue, Monday, December 13, 2004. Following the memorial, the family will receive visitors in the fellowship hall at the Baptist Church. Interment will take place at the family cemetery in Valley Spring, Texas. His family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the New Mexico Girls and Boys Ranch, 6209 Hendrix Rd. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87110. The family would also like to thank the professionals at the Heart Hospital of New Mexico for their tremendous kindness and great compassion. Riverside Funeral Home of Belen 864-4448
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