Shana Leigh Gardner

Shana Leigh Gardner was born November 18, 1951 to Alvin C. and Estella A. (Welp) Stone in Wray, Colorado. She passed away June 29, 2017 at the age of 65.

She grew up south of Vernon in her early years, the youngest of four girls; Joleen, Treva and Yvette. She was baptized at the St. John’s Lutheran Church in Vernon, Colorado on January 10, 1952. She attended school in Vernon thru the fifth grade at which time the school closed. Shana then attended Wray High School and graduated in 1969. After graduation, she attended the American Beauty College in Ft. Collins, Colorado in 1970. After college, she returned home to Wray where she would meet the love of her life, Curtis Gardner. They were married in 1972 on September 18 ^th , and lived on the Ceres Ranch where Curtis was working at the time. They soon moved west of Wray to their current residence at Robb Crossing Ranch, where they would raise their family. To this union their daughter, Kashell was born in 1973 and two sons, Quint in 1976 and Toby in 1980. The early years on the ranch kept her busy with kids and cattle. They also started a custom hay business which would last for the next 37 years. She was always there for whatever was needed whether it be swathing hay or just shuffling equipment around. They were not busy enough with that, so they tried many other ventures through the years including raising painted horses, longhorn cattle, exotic birds and small animals. She spent many years doing whatever was needed of her and deciding to try something completely new was no surprise to her family. So, in February 2003, she purchased Ken Lane Clothing in Wray. She renamed it “The Rustic Rose”. Shana spent many years here working alongside her mom. In 2005, she decided to open a men’s clothing store across the street. The Rustic Rose was where she worked till her retirement in February 2016.

Shana enjoyed so many crafty things in life from scrapbooking, sewing, and her biggest love of all quilting. Her children and grandchildren will forever cherish the many beautiful creations made with love by her. She also enjoyed gardening, cooking and baking with her grandkids. Spending time with her family and grandkids were her biggest love of all.

Shana was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Estella Stone. She is survived by her husband, Curtis Gardner of Wray; daughter, Kashell Hatch & husband, Tracy of Eckley and their children; Shyla and Kayson; son, Quint Gardner & wife, Sarah of Yuma and their children, Kelly, Heidi and Jamie and son, Toby Gardner of Burlington and his daughter, Cade; sisters; Yvette Roberts & husband, Chuck of Mesa, Arizona; Treva Orender & husband, Steve of Dayton, Tennessee; and Joleen Gelvin & husband, Mike of Wray, Colorado and numerous other family and friends. She will be great missed by many.

A Memorial service was held at the First Christian Church in Wray, Colorado on Friday, July 7, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Steve Wynkoop officiating. A Private Family inurnment was held in the Eckley Cemetery in Eckley, Colorado. Memorials may be made to the Yuma County Fair Queen or Quilts of the Plains. Cremation was requested. Schmidt-Jones Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.