Esther Sharon Gardner

On July 9th, 2023 Heaven rejoiced and Earth mourned as our precious Mother, Grandma, Great Grandma, sister, aunt and friend Esther (Sharon) Gardner, age 84, returned to the arms of her loving Heavenly Father. Sharon was born on June 3, 1939, in Salt Lake City to goodly parents, John Llewelyn and Eva Boehme Llewelyn. She grew up in a loving home with three brothers. Sharon attended South High School and lived in Tooele and Salt Lake City. Sharon married her sweetheart Dee Ray Gardner on June 29th, 1956. With four beautiful children by their side, and twins on the way, they were sealed for all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on April 26, 1968. As a lovely newly married couple Sharon and Dee moved many times in their first few years; between Dugway, Tooele, Wyoming, SLC, and Vernal, before settling down in Dugway Utah for 26 years. They went to Alaska for Dee’s job in the summer of 1966 and lived there three months. With four small children in a tiny trailer, that was quite an adventure for mom. They moved to Rush Valley when Dee retired in 1987. Sharon lived a wonderful 46 years there. They have always been blessed with many cherished friends and neighbors. Sharon loved the people in her community, wherever she lived. Her unendingly kindness, compassion, optimism, and love were extended to everyone, and felt by all she interacted with. She served whenever there was an opportunity to do so. She faithfully served in many callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was often found organizing and running the church bazaars and bake sales. Mom’s favorite job was that of a stay-at-home mother. As her children grew, she worked at the Commissary and PX on Dugway Proving Grounds. She loved to read romance novels and would often tell her children that’s how she got to experience other countries and learn about their cultures. Sharon loved her family fiercely! Her greatest joy and hobby was spending time with, and reminiscing about them all. Each held a special place in her heart. She created a home of love where everyone was welcome. A home where we all loved to be. She also enjoyed the occasional fishing and camping trips. Sharon is proceeded in death by her husband Dee Ray Gardner, daughter Deanna (Dee Dee) Young, parents John and Eva Llewelyn, and her brothers Garron Llewelyn and Armon Llewelyn. She is survived by her children, Barry (Diane) Gardner, Raelynn (Steve) Hansen, Brian (Gloria) Gardner, Kary Gardner, and Dana (Liz) Gardner, and her brother Rick (Nadine) Llewelyn. Sharon is blessed with 21 grandchildren and 43 great grandchildren. She loves and adores each one of them! WE LOVE YOU MOM! You will always be loved and in our hearts! We offer special thanks and gratitude to her dearest friend Della Frost and her precious aid Rachel Daly. We are so grateful for the wonderful love and care you always showed our Mom. We are also grateful to each of you, dear family and friends, who blessed Mom’s life! A funeral service will take place on Saturday, July 22, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Rush Valley Ward located at 985 N Church St in Rush Valley, Utah with a viewing prior to the service starting at 9:30 am. Interment will follow the funeral service located at Clover Cemetery in Rush Valley, Utah.

Esther Sharon Gardner

June 3, 1939 - July 9, 2023