Sharan D. Gardner

Sharan D. Gardner, 67, of Billings, passed away with her daughter and son by her side in her home on Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2011, of congestive heart failure.

Sharan was born on May 9, 1944, in Roundup, a daughter of Darrell and Ruth Abbott. She grew up on the family ranch on Flatwillow Creek, attending the country school. When it came time for Sharan, being the oldest daughter, to attend high school, her parents moved her and her sister to Lewistown. There she attended the Fergus High School, graduating Class of 1962.

In 1965, Sharan married her high school sweetheart, Bob Gardner. Following their marriage, Sharan and Bob began their family in Seattle with the birth of their daughter, Kristi, in 1966, and son, J.D., in 1969. Later in 1969, the family returned to settle in Billings. Sharan worked part-time at Fashion Fabrics until her children began school. From there, she then began working for WYO-BEN & Gibson Co. in accounts payable, before being and spanning over 14 years in the banking industry in different financial departments for Montana Bancsystem, Inc., Northwest Bank and finally Wells Fargo. In June of 2002, Sharan suffered a heart attack, six months after the passing of her husband, Bob, of 36 years of marriage. Sharan had had a heart condition since 1982, but in June of 2002, she began early retirement due to her health problems and recovery from her heart attack. This did not stop Sharan, for beginning in 2003, she volunteered at Aspen Meadows, primarily in the gift shop, for eight years. As well as, with the aid of MT Vocational Rehab, returning to work part-time at various businesses from 2007 to 2010.

Throughout all of Sharan’s life, she enjoyed her beautiful flowers in her yard, designing and making many woodworks, quilts, cross-stitch and copious crafts for her home, besides gifts for others. Sharan was blessed with a loving, caring and generous spirit that touched and inspired the lives of all she encountered, with her family and friends being her greatest joy.

Sharan is survived by her daughter, Kristi, and her son, J.D., both of Billings; her sister, Donna (Tom) Lowry of Grass Range; as well as a nephew and niece. Sharan is preceded in death by her husband, Bob Gardner; and her parents, Darrell and Ruth Abbott.

Memorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 1, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Cremation has taken place. Interment of her cremated remains will follow services at Yellowstone Valley Memorial Park, with a reception to follow.

Kristi and J.D. would like to give special thanks to the staff of Rocky Mountain Hospice and Visiting Angels for making it possible to care for our mom, Sharan, in the comfort of her home during the remaining days of her life. Thus, we ask memorials be sent to Rocky Mountain Hospice.

Remembrances

I was so sorry to hear that Sharan has passed away. I worked with her at Montana Bank, Bank of Montana, Norwest and Wells Fargo. Sharan was truly one of kindest people I have met in my life. I feel blessed that I had the chance to know her and be a small part of her life. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and anybody who knew and loved Sharan. She was an angel on earth and now Heaven has one more angel. Bless her forever.

Sheila Schanz

I came to know Sharan in the 80's while working for Montana Bank. I lived in Forsyth and she in Billings so our friendship started over the phone. She was always so cheerful and kind and we became good friends. When I was hospitalized in Billings in 1992 she came to see me every night after work, for 3 nights. She said since I was so far from home she figured I probably didn't have alot of people visiting. And she always had some small gift; a flower, a cartoon she had cut from the newspaper that she thought would make me laugh. This is how Sharan lived, always thinking of others first and doing whatever she could to make others smile, when she herself may be hurting. She was a friend to all. The lives of those that knew Sharan were truly enriched and I feel honored to be able to say she was my friend. Rest in Peace my friend, you have earned your place in heaven. And I know when my life on earth is over, she will be there to greet me.

Waneeta Farris
Forsyth

I was sorry to learn of Sharan passing. I worked with Sharan at Wyo-Ben many years ago
and considered her my friend. She was an amazing lady with the kindness heart of any
person I have ever met. I will always remember that she touched and inspired any one
who came into her life. Heaven truly has an awesome angel with them now.
Kristi, J.D. and family may your dearest memories bring you comfort in the
days ahead.

Alice Garr

Kristi and J.D.,

I know I'm not telling you anything you don't already know but your mom was a wonderful person with a beautiful soul. She always had a friendly smile and a kind and gentle way about her. I worked with her in the office at Gibson's Discount Center and always enjoyed her pleasant demeanor and sweet disposition. She was an angel on earth and now you have that angel in heaven watching over you. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

Donna Hulteng