Bettie Gardner, 88, passed away Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Brookfield Memory Care in Hot Springs, Ark., after a brief illness.
She was born Jan. 30, 1935, in Hot Springs, Ark., to Pauline and Rayburn Reed. She was the oldest of seven siblings and was devoted to her parents and all her siblings and their families her entire life.
Bettie married Robbie Joe Gardner on Feb. 7, 1953, and thus began a loving marriage that lasted for close to 70 years until Robbie's passing in early 2022. Bettie found her calling as a wife and mother always supporting her children, not only their schoolwork, but in their many extracurricular activities, be that Deborah's high school drill team or Ron's golf. After raising her family, Bettie became involved as a volunteer at the Hot Springs National Park. She loved leading tours and educating visitors about, not only the natural beauty of the area, but also the history of the place she called home.
Everyone that met Bettie soon learned of her devotion to her faith and her capacity for serving others. She offered others the hope she had found in her relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and gave testimony to how that faith sustained her through many difficult seasons. Bettie loved being active and productive, she was always an early riser and got more accomplished before noon than most do in a day. When her physical health declined and she was forced to slow down, it was a painful adjustment for her. Bettie continued to be available to listen to anyone and would fervently pray for any need that came to her attention. She also continued to offer up her "wisdom" freely, and even when it was received harshly, it was always offered in love.
Bettie was preceded in death by her husband, Robbie Joe Gardner; her parents, Pauline and Rayburn Reed and her six siblings.
She is survived by her children, Deborah Wilson (Hayne), Ron Gardner (Jameye); her grandchildren, Brooksie Barton (Charlie), Jason Wilson (Nichol), Reed Gardner (Jessica), Sarah McWilliams (John) and Seth Gardner; and eight great-grandchildren. Bettie is also survived by a special niece, Tracy Wilson and her family, who devoted many hours in care for her and Robbie.
The family wants to thank the caregivers from Caring Connection that cared for Bettie in her home and also the wonderful staff at Brookfield Memory Care facility who provided compassionate care in her last months.
Visitation will be from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, June 4, at Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, located at 155 Section Line Road in Hot Springs, Ark.
Graveside service will be at 10 a.m. Monday, June 5, located at Greenwood Cemetery in Hot Springs, Ark.
Pallbearers: Kurt Belote, Reed Gardner, Clinton Hall, Ray Reed, Jason Wilson and Tony Wilson. Honorary pallbearers: Seth Gardner, Dave Horne and Buddy Howell and Tom Randall.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bettie's memory to: Friends of Hot Springs National Park, P.O. Box 178, Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901.
"But, as it is written, What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him" -- I Corinthians 2:9.
Online condolences at www.caruth-hale.com.