Barbara Bell Gardner

Gardner, Barbara B., 86, April 17, 2009.  Arrangements by Dunn Funeral Home, Houlton.
    Houlton – Barbara Bell Gardner, 86, died peacefully April 17, 2009, at her home after a short illness. She was born October 5, 1922, at Houlton, the daughter of Hazen R. and C. Maude (Lawrence) Bell.
    In her younger years, she was a socialite who loved music and dancing. She graduated from Houlton High School, Class of 1940 and was a High School Queen during her freshman year. In 1941, she graduated from the Maine Beauty Culture School of Bangor. She grew up "on the farm" and loved nature, especially watching the birds and gardening. Over the years she was an active member of the Houlton United Methodist Church. Her life was devoted to her family and in doing for others. She will be sorely missed.
    Barbara has left behind a daughter, Nancy Stone and her husband Roger of Linneus; two sons, David Gardner of Waynesville, NC, Michael Gardner and his wife Michelle of Linneus; three grandchildren, Ian, Keegan and Lindsay; a step-granddaughter, Leslie Greenlaw; several very special nieces and nephews; her constant companion and faithful cat, Kippy, who never left her side. She was predeceased by her husband, Gerald Gardner; her parents; and a sister, Bertha Zeigler.
    Friends called 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Houlton United Methodist Church until the time of the service at 11 a.m. with Rev. Naomi Sam’Kpakra as officiate. Gifts may be made in Barbara’s memory to the Houlton United Methodist Church or Hospice of Aroostook, c/o Dunn Funeral Home, 11 Park Street, Houlton, 04730. The Gardner family would like to give a special thank you to Nancy Putnam, Jane Zimmerman, Debbie Upton and the Hospice team for their help and support.