Elizabeth Ann Gardner

Elizabeth (Betty) Gardner was born August 29, 1929 in Canada to William and Margaret Cooper. She passed away May 28, 2015. She graduated from Needles High School in 1947 and received a BA degree from Immaculate Heart College in Los Angeles, Calif. in 1951. She married her high school sweetheart, William Gardner in Pasadena, Calif., in 1954. William was an officer in the United States Army, thus beginning their many travels. She had a long career in teaching elementary students in California as well as for the Department of Defense in Germany, Panama Canal Zones, and Ecuador. Upon retirement from the military, William became an educator. They lived in Apple Valley, Calif. and worked for the Hesperia School System. Upon retirement from education, they moved to Palm Springs, Calif., and they continued their travels and relaxation. She was a member of St. Theresa Catholic Church and of the Palm Springs Division of CalRTA (retired teachers). Betty was preceded in death by her husband, William; her son, Andrew; and her daughter, Sheila. She is survived by her sister, Sheila Ruble of Palm Springs, Calif.; and her brother and sister-in-law, William and Judy Cooper of Beaumont, Calif. Catholic mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at 11:00 am at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Palm Springs, Calif., followed by a reception at the clubhouse at the Fairways, 1600 Crossley Rd., Palm Springs, CA 92262.