Joan Elinor Gardner's Obituary
Mrs. Joan Elinor Gardner, age 91, passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2023 in Muskegon. She was born in Muskegon on October 25, 1931 to Walter and Eva (Faucher) Simonson. Joan was a member of St. Jean Baptiste Catholic Church. She enjoyed bowling, gardening, knitting, and volunteer work. On September 15, 1951 she married Ben Hayes Gardner, who preceded her in death in 2006. She is survived by her daughters, Jeanne Marie Smith and Ruth Ann (Edwin Jr.) Sagan; eight grandchildren, Kevin Smith, Jerri Smith-Turner, Jeffery (Amy) Smith, Chris Smith, Leah (Travis) Kempf, Andrea (Eric) Menzel, Kyle (Noelle) Sagan, and Miranda (Aric) Keyser; five great-grandchildren, Brandon Smith, Matt (Erinn) Smith, Jordan Turner, Taylor Smith, Liam Kempf; and three great-great-grandchildren, Hazel, Serenity, and Rylee. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ben Gardner; infant son, Stephen Joseph Gardner; son-in-law, Michael Smith; sister, Shirley Koteles; and brothers, Glenn Simonson and Marvin Simonson. A MEMORIAL SERVICE will be held 2:00PM Friday, June 23, 2023 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 with Fr. Kyle Kilpatrick presiding. VISITATION will be one hour prior to her service. MEMORIALS in memory of Joan may be directed to Pound Buddies. You may sign her online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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