Deaths and Funeral Notices
Nancy Ann Gardner
1933-2020
Nancy was born in Oakland, California to Robert and Katherine Budlong. She spent summers in Redway, California. In 1951, Nancy graduated from the Anna Head School in Berkeley and the family moved to Eureka, her mother’s birthplace. She received a BBA from the University of Oregon in 1955 and was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority.
In 1956, she married Robert W. Gardner, MD at St. Bernard’s Church in Eureka, California. They lived in Oak Harbor, Washington when Robert (Bob) was a Naval Aviator. For Bob’s medical training, they lived in Berkeley, CA (University of California), Montreal, Quebec, Canada (McGill University Medical School), Campbell, CA (Santa Clara County Hospital internship), and Iowa City, Iowa (University of Iowa Psychiatry residency).
After having one child in each move, in 1967 they returned to Eureka where Bob practiced Psychiatry for 33 years. Eureka was the perfect place as the children developed close relationships with their grandparents, Katherine Budlong, Robert F. and Laura Gardner, aunt Ann Schwab and Bob’s aunt Eleanor Gardner. Nancy’s father passed away in 1952.
Early interests were fly fishing on the Eel and Klamath Rivers, swimming, canoeing, and badminton. Later were backpacking, hiking, sailing (racing and cruising), jogging (numerous races and Avenue of the Giants Marathon), working at the Gardner Ranch family vineyard in Willow Creek, gardening, walking, reading, Silver Sneakers, and bookclub with friends.
Nancy was very proud to be a homemaker and she was an excellent one! She did it all and then some. Providing nourishing meals, keeping the home spotless, and even doing most of the yard work, she was tireless and indeed strong.
Her birthdate was shared with son Michael and greatgrandson Martin. She very much enjoyed weekly dates with Bob in the green Beetle, having lunch at the Baking Company, and lattes by the Bay. Bob was her best friend and love of her life for 57 years. She was especially proud of her children for giving Bob his wish of passing at home with their devoted care during his final days in 2013.
Nancy’s unselfish life touched others. She would often say, “I don’t want or need anything.” The beauty around her was treasured. Family and friends were always enough and her joy. Nancy’s presence, words, deeds, and letters always comforted us. She provided stability in our family. Nancy said she was privileged to have raised a supportive and caring family; truly, the pleasure was all ours.
Nancy would remind us when leaving, “go enjoy your families.” She would beautifully follow with these essential words, “take care of each other, and love each other!”
Nancy is survived by her daughter Susan Townsend (Steve), Oroville, CA, grandchildren and great grandchildren Michelle Dedmore (Duane), Martin and Tony, Sonora, CA, Jon Omey (Lisa), Ellie, Vincent, and Jon-Steven, Eureka, CA, Ben Omey (Stacey), and Lane, Redding, CA; daughter Katherine Gardner and granddaughters Sarah and Haley Hoepfner, Cordova, AK; son Michael Gardner (Amy) and grandson Ethan, Roseville, CA; son Jeff Gardner (Liz) and grandchildren Camryn and Spencer, Spokane, WA.
Nancy’s and Bob’s ashes will be scattered together by their family.
Donations would be appreciated for the Humboldt Botanical Garden Foundation, P.O. Box 6117, Eureka, CA 95502-6117, or donate on-line www.hbgf.org
Please sign the guest book at www.times-standar d.com, click obituaries.
James Jim Sweet
James Fredrick Sweet went to be with the Lord early Sunday morning, November 15th. He passed away at his home in Eureka and was lovingly attended to during the past couple of years by his children, Beth, Mary Sue, Jesse and Dan. Vital support was also received from Hospice of Humboldt and St. Joseph Home Care; as well as sonin-law, Steve and niece, Elizabeth.
Jim was born on January 3, 1925 in Langlois, Oregon, the only son of Alfred James and Lenora Mae (Hofsess) Sweet. He and Audrey, his wife of over seventy years, were married on Christmas Day of 1947, in Bandon, Oregon, shortly after Jim’s discharge from the Army Air Corps. They were married less than four months after first meeting at a dance in Bandon, Oregon.
Jim and Audrey raised five children as they moved from the family dairy ranch near Bandon, Oregon to Ukiah, California; and from there they moved around to several communities in Del Norte County, finally ending up in Eureka in 1964.
Jim loved and reverenced God and the Lord Jesus Christ and relished his Word. He wrote some years ago, “It is evident to me that in this life there is no hope aside from Jesus Christ. I find that he is my friend and am looking forward to meeting him face to face.”
After a stint in the Army Air Corp during WWII, Jim spent his early adult years in ranching. After that, he spent most of his working years in the logging and lumber industry; and finally at two pulp mills in Eureka. Jim was known for his craftmanship and loyalty to his family. Although the past two-and-a-half years were difficult for him he never complained and was always cheerful.
Jim will be rejoining his wife, Audrey, who went to be with the Lord in June of 2018. He is survived by his five adult children, Daniel Sweet, Jesse Sweet (Kim), Mary Sue Prangley (John), Beth D’Ambra (Steve) and Wendy Ward; his sister-inlaw, Judith Paseman; nieces Elizabeth Harvey and Molly Turner. Jim was proud to be the patriarch of a family that includes many grandchildren, great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, as well as an extended family located primarily in Curry and Coos Counties in Oregon.