Helen Jean DeMaris was born June 18, 1923, in Yakima, to Bert Ledford and Marguerite (Rodgers) Ledford. She passed away on Jan. 25, 2012, in Lyle.
She was known for her warmth, kindness and love, by all.
She is survived by her husband Calvin DeMaris; daughter Diana DeMaris; sister Beverly Walker; grandsons John Clenaghen and Michael Clenaghen; and great-grandson Elijah Clenaghen.
KENNETH GARDNER
Kenneth Harold Gardner was born on Sept. 24, 1918, at the Larsen family ranch house in the Snowden area, just north of the Snowden cemetery. He passed away peacefully in the company of loved ones at Hawk's Ridge Assisted Living facility in Hood River on Jan. 29, 2012 at the age of 93.
His parents were Oscar Gardner and Mabel (Larsen) Gardner.
Ken Gardner was a longtime owner of the Gardner Funeral Home. It was established in 1930 by his parents, Oscar and Mabel Gardner. In 1940, their two sons, Arthur and Ken, both graduated from the College of Mortuary Science of San Francisco, and Ken became actively associated with the firm.
Ken met his wife Juanita, known mostly as "Nita" and they married April 3, 1949. Ken and Juanita owned and operated the Gardner Funeral Home from 1955 to 1976. For a time, they also operated the ambulance service for the region. When they retired, Ken turned to his interest in restoring and selling antiques as a second career.
He served in the South Pacific during World War II as a medic and has been an active member of the American Legion.
He loved fly-fishing in his younger years and enjoyed playing golf, even as he became older. Ken will be remembered for his storytelling replete with remarkable memories of his lifetime and regional and family history.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Arthur, and his wife, Juanita. Survivors include: Venette Duckwall (sister); Sally Gross and Lisa Flores (daughters); 5 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; and other loved family members and friends.
He will be loved and missed by all.
A memorial service was held at Gardner Funeral Home on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012.
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