Betty A. Gardner, 87, of Portage, died at 11:40 p.m. May 4, 2006, at Sterling House. Born June 24,

1918, in

Valparaiso, she was the daughter of Clark and Lucille Fulton Stewart. She graduated from East Chicago Washington High School in 1936.

On Nov. 7, 1936, in Hannibal, Mo., she married Raymond C. Gardner, who died March 11, 1999.

A homemaker, Mrs. Gardner was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. She later transferred her membership to Sharon Baptist Church. She was a 50-year member of the Carroll Chapter Order of the Eastern Star #475 at Camden, Camden Woman's Literary Club, and the Extension Homemakers.

Surviving are one daughter, Karen Gardner of Hammond; four sons, Wayne Gardner (wife: Louise) of Cameron, Wis., Ralph Gardner (wife: Joan) of Munster, Clark Gardner (wife: Judy) of Mooresville, and Larry Gardner (wife: Sandi) of Granger; 20 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and 18 great-greatgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her three youngest sons, Greg, Dennis and Paul, and her brother, Clark Stewart.

Services were held Tuesday at Cree Funeral Home, Camden, with the Rev. James Lund officiating. Burial was at Camden Cemetery.