Lois Marie GARDNER

GARDNER, Lois Marie - age 80, of Fenton Twp., passed away with her family by her side on Saturday, January 10, 2009 at Genesys Health Park. A memorial service celebrating her life begins 4 PM Saturday, January 17, 2009 at VFW Post # 3243, 1148 N. Leroy St in Fenton. Lois, the sixth of nine children, was born December 30, 1928 in Flint to Henrietta and Albert Wolfe. She married Owen J. Gardner August 15, 1951 in Fenton. The family moved to Lake Ponemah in 1960, where Lois remained for the rest of her life. Lois was a lifetime member and past president of the Veterans of Foreign Wars - Ladies Auxiliary. She participated for more than 30 years with the Boy Scouts of America, first as a Den Leader in Cub Scouts for her grandsons, and then devoted her time over the years to help children appreciate the outdoors and learn to cooperate with others at many scouting camps. A child of the Great Depression - as Lois often referred to herself - she placed great importance on self-reliance, preservation and creativity. The latter trait she applied most lovingly to making many toys and crafts for her children and grandchildren, from superhero capes to hand-made wooden toys and games, essentials of childhood. She loved painting, poetry, the music of Bing Crosby and Dean Martin, the calming influence of Lake Ponemah, but most of all spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lois also was a self-published author, publishing at age 79 the Native American story Naha, Son of Gray Wolf, a story she first told to her grandchildren and later to the Boy Scouts. She is survived by her son Bill Gardner and wife Kathy, of Petoskey; daughter Janet Gardner, of Flint; daughter Lois McNally and husband Robin, of Burton; and daughter Reita Newell and husband Jim, of Flint Twp.; 12 grandchildren, Amy, Jeff, Karen, Kimberly, Barry, Christopher, Louann, Mark, Michael, Jim, Jeremy and Adam; 20 great-grandchildren; a sister, Rita and brother, Jack; and many caring neighbors and friends in the Boy Scouts. Her husband, Owen, preceded her in death in 1992. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Lois's name to the Boy Scouts of America, Tall Pine Council or the American Cancer Society. Friends may share an online tribute on the obituaries page of www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.