Luella Gardner

LuElla Gardner, 100, died June 29, 2010. She was born to William and Willie Max on July 18, 1909, in Carbondale, Colo. She was raised by her Grandmother Brown, growing up in Carbondale and Long Beach, Calif.
LuElla married John Oakland on July 6, 1934. Sadly, he died a year later from surgical complications. On May 25, 1941, she married Donald Gardner. They resided in Long Beach until 1953, when they moved to Medford, Ore., to purchase the Huber Packing House on Table Rock Road. The name was changed to Midway Meat Packing Company, which later became Mid-Cave Meat Packing Company. Together they worked hard to make the business a success until they retired in 1984.
LuElla was a member of the Delta Theta Chi sorority. She was a member and past president of the PEO Sisterhood, CP chapter for 55 years. She enjoyed reading, walking, and watching Jeopardy. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family and friends.
The family wishes to thank all who brought a great quality to LuElla's life in her last years. The staff at Fountain Plaza was very kind and supportive. Providence Hospice was very helpful during her last days. Pastor Paul brought her great peace. A special thank you goes to the Welcome Friends Foster Home. Jorjene, Shelby, Erica, and Jace showed LuElla love, compassion and made her laugh every day.
LuElla was preceded in death by husband, Don. She is survived by daughter, Jeri Ray, of Eugene, Ore.; grandson, Tim (Krista) Ray, of Dallas, Ore.; granddaughter, Shelley (Jeff) Rickman, of Hillsboro, Ore.; great-grandchildren, Tyler and Kendall Ray.