Betty Lou (Goss) Gardner, 83, of Altamont died Friday May 27, 2005 in Evergreen Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Effingham.  Services in Kull Funeral Chapel, Altamont, with Lowell Donnelley of First Baptist Church, Altamont, officiating. Graveside services in Haven Hill Cemetery, Olney.

Betty was born Aug. 18, 1921, near Noble, the daughter of Walter and Mabel (Watt) Goss. She was a member of First Baptist Church, the Altamont Garden Club and Exxon Annuity Club. She was a member of the Altamont community for more than 57 years.

While a young woman in Olney, she worked as a beautician at Florene's Shop and as a clerk at Tresslar's Dime Store. Upon moving to St. Elmo with her husband, they raised a family, and she worked for George and Betty Bieber's News Stand, Hugh Kraner Floral and Gift Shop and the Lois Shop. In 1948, the family moved to Altamont, and she remained a resident until her death.

She married Homer Nebraska Gardner of Drumright, Okla. He preceded her in death April 17, 2000. Surviving are her sons, Gary Gardner and wife Carla of Olney; David Gardner and wife Barbara of Waynesville, N.C.; Joe Gardner and wife Jeannie of Olney; Jon Gardner and wife Barbara of Magnolia, Texas; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; four great-stepgrandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and son, Charles R. Gardner.

Herald & Review, Decatur, IL - May 30, 2005