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Gardner -- 1908-2002 Mrs. Mary Jo Gardner, 94, a long time resident of Belen, died at home on Thursday June 20, 2002, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She was born on June 18, 1908 in LaFatte, Alabama. She moved with her family to Anson, Texas when she was thirteen. After graduating from Anson High School in 1926, she attended Abilene Christian College, receiving her teaching certificate for Texas. In 1928 she moved to Swenson, Texas, where she began her teaching career. She taught in Texas for ten years. While in Swenson, she wed J.T. Gardner. In 1945, J.T. was transferred by the railroad to Belen where Mrs. Gardner taught school in the winter and worked toward her teaching degree in the summer. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the College of St. Joseph on the Rio Grande in 1950. She taught elementary for 28 years in the Belen school District, retiring in 1972. Mrs. Gardner took pride in knowing that during her 38-year teaching career, she touched several generations of students. Some of her honors as an educator included being inducted into the Central District NEAóNew Mexico Hall of Fame in 1975, and being listed in"Who's Who of American Women" in the 12th Edition of 1981-82. Mrs. Gardner was active in many civic organizations including: Eastern Star, Masonic Widows, Retired Teachers Association, AARP Local, Belen Pilot Club, American Association of University Women, Friend to the Library, Extension Homemakers, Alkali Anns Garden Club, and the Historical Society. She was also an active member of the First Baptist Church of Belen. She was preceded in death by her husband J.T. Gardner; a daughter Rozanne Gardner Jones and her infant son; and a grandson, Jerry Don Gardner. Survivors include; sons Joe Ben Gardner and his wife Sue of Albuquerque; Jerry Gardner of Veguita; Granddaughter Sherri Jackson and her husband Bob, and their children Derrick, Matt, and Natalie of Albuquerque; Grandson Billy Don Jones of Oregon; Grandson Frank Gardner and his wife Anna, and their daughter Raelyn of Lovington; Grandson Casey Gardner and his wife Jeanette, and their children J.T., Levi, and Wyatt of Grandprairie, Texas; and Granddaughter Rozanne Gardner Johnson and her husband James of Lovington. Cremation has taken place. Memorial services for Mrs. Gardner will be held on Wednesday June 26, 2002 at 2:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Belen with Pastor Bruce Baker officiating. A private burial with the family in attendance will take place at a later time at the Terrace Grove Cemetery in Belen. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Delta Hospice of Albuquerque, or the Boys or Girls Ranch of New Mexico. Arrangements by Riverside Funeral Home in Belen.
        Published on: Sun June 23, 2002