Aletha M. Gardner

Aletha M. Gardner, age 90, died Saturday, March 9, 2024 at her home in Clinton, with her family by her side. She was born to Violet Harberl on September 2, 1933, in Manchester Township, Wisconsin. Lea grew up in Black River Falls and attended school at the Warren Area Schools. After high school, she went on to meet her husband, Daniel Gardner, who she married on May 27, 1972, and remained married to for over 51 beautiful and loving years. She spent her married years dedicating herself to her family and her home. She will be remembered for her love and dedication, in addition to the care she gave to everyone around her every day.

Aletha packed a big heart into a small frame. If she loved you, she made sure you knew it. She had a gift for bringing people together and hosted countless dinners and birthday celebrations. She was a great cook and was particularly famous for her meatloaf, cheesecake, and potato salad. She was a friend to all creatures and cared for the dogs, cats, birds, fish, turtles, and other assorted pets with the same love and appreciation she gave the humans in her life. She had a special affinity for frogs and turtles and that showed in the collection of figurines she acquired throughout her life. She wanted so much for those she loved to be happy. While we will all miss her, we can honor her spirit by finding joy in every day we are given and by being kind to all creatures.

Aletha is survived by her beloved husband Daniel; her son Mark (Gay) Rumppe of Hiltons, VA; bonus daughter Pat Schnurr-Jensen; grandchild Jennifer L. Rumppe of Dallas, TX; brother George (Brenda) Haberl; special friends Cindy Shepardson and Sharon O’Brien; and many other family, friends, and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her mother, her sister Alice, and special friends Sis Waldera and Mickey Rhea.

            The family would like to thank Beloit Regional Hospice nurses Beth, Rebecca, Joanna, and    Jessica for their kindness, care, and dedication during their time with Aletha.

A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, September 2, 2024, at the Gardner Family Homestead in Hiltons, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Beloit Regional Hospice, in Aletha’s name. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on our website.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.