Virginia Ann Gardner, age 92, of Isanti died January 19, 2021 at GracePointe Crossing in Cambridge. A private graveside service was held at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. A public Memorial Service will be held 10:00 A.M. Saturday, June 5, 2021 at First Baptist Church in St. Francis, 22940 St. Francis Blvd NW, St. Francis, Minnesota. A time for visiting will begin 1 hour prior to the service at the church.
Virginia Ann Gardner, 92 of Isanti passed away on January 19, 2021 at GracePoint Crossings in Cambridge. She was born on December 19, 1928 to Grant and Ina Kilbury in Brainerd Minnesota. She grew up in Minneapolis and graduated from South High School. In high school she became best friends with Alice (Tom’s sister) and that is how she met Tom. She accepted Christ as her savior before she got married. Virginia married Thomas Gardner on May 24, 1947. They lived in north Minneapolis until 1965 when they moved to Isanti Minnesota. She was a homemaker until after their move to the country, then she worked at Cambridge State Hospital as a nursing tech.
Virginia always enjoyed having Central Seminary students and college students in her home. Some just for a meal some stayed for MANY days. She enjoyed spending time with friends, sharing a meal and playing games late into the night. A favorite holiday for our mom was Christmas, she always wrapped gifts late into the night, filled the stockings and made a lot of food.
She enjoyed embroidery, reading and crocheting. She was active in each church they attended teaching Sunday school, Junior church, working in the nursery and serving as a deaconess. Most recently she attended First Baptist Church of St. Francis. She loved having company especially when the grand children and great grands were around.
Virginia is survived by her 4 children: Becky (Lowell) Kruse, Owatonna, MN, Dan (Terri) Gardner, Okinawa, Japan; Tom (Patty) Gardner, Fort Collins, CO; Barb (Russ) Peterson, Isanti, MN. 13 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandaughter. One sister Beverly Kilbury, Minneapolis. Proceeded in death by her husband Tom Gardner, parents Grant & Ina Kilbury, brother Robert Kilbury, several grand baby angels and great grandson Grant Hoffman.
One of her favorite scripture passages was Proverbs 3:5&6
I worked with Virginia at Cambridge State Hospital in the 70’s. The residents adored her! I loved working with her. I was a teenager and it was like having a very dear mother to work with. She was so kind and always smiling. God bless her and prayers for her family’s peace. Heaven has gained a wonderful lady❤️
I was sad to hear of my Virginia’s passing but I am happy that she is in heaven with Uncle Tom. She was a sweet and kind aunt.