K. Audrey Gardner, age 87, longtime resident of Draketown, Washington Township, died Monday, May 6, 2013 at Edinboro Manor where she resided since December. Born in Erie on November 3, 1925, Audrey was one of two daughters of the late Clarence and Loretta McKnight Robinson. She married Axell C. Gardner on March 24, 1945, and he preceded her in death on January 22, 2013.
Audrey was primarily a homemaker who raised her family and worked alongside her husband at the family farm on Draketown Road. She later worked as a bookkeeper for several local Edinboro businesses and served as Auditor for Washington Township for 14 years. A longtime member of Draketown Christian Church, she taught Sunday School and Bible School, and was a member of the Ladies Aid. She also was a 26-year member of the Rebekah Lodge in Edinboro. Audrey loved her family and grandchildren, and for pleasure she enjoyed reading and peace and quiet time.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Axell C. Gardner; two grandchildren– Craig Mitchell and Crysta Lee Gebadlo; a brother-in-law, William Best; and two nephews– Rex and Danny Woods.
Family members that survive include her three daughters– Cheryl Mellin and her husband Rich, and Cathi Mitchell and her husband John, all of Edinboro, and Lorel Swanson and her husband Rich of Erie; a son, Charles Gardner of Edinboro; nine grandchildren, including Kathleen Long, Stephanie Stafford, Anne Marie Cataldi, and Aaron Craig Gebadlo; 24 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; a sister, LaVern Best of Erie; a sister-in-law, Phyllis Woods and her husband Vere of Edinboro; a niece, Willetta Best; two nephews– Wynn and Dean Woods; and her longtime neighbor and friend, Gary Showman.
Friends will be received by the family on Saturday morning at Draketown Christian Church from 10:00 a.m. until time of the funeral at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Ron Kennedy will officiate the services with the burial and committal service following at Draketown Cemetery.
The Gardner family requests that memorial donations be made to Draketown Cemetery Association, 12591 Draketown Road, Edinboro, PA 16412, or to a charity of one’s choice.
So sorry about your loss. God has promises we can see our loved ones again. The account at John chapter 11 is proof of the resurrection hope. We can be sure of his promises.
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.