Glenda Swann Gardner

Our sweet mother, Glenda Swann Gardner, returned to her Heavenly Father, and to her loving husband Ray, on February 22, 2022, surrounded by her adoring children.
Mom was born on October 9, 1930 in Preston, Idaho to Glenn and Jessie Swann. With her sister and five brothers she grew up on her parents’ small farm where many of life’s lessons regarding faith and hard work were learned. The impact of the Great Depression was not lost on her. She saved, avoided debt, and did not waste anything. She graduated from Preston High School in 1949 where she was a member of the Art Club, the Girls’ Athletic Association, the Music Club, the Commercial Club, and the Future Homemakers of America.
She excelled in her greatest aspiration–to be a wonderful wife and mother. She met her sweetheart Ray at BYU, where she went for the express purpose of finding a husband. She found a good one—actually Dad found her. Ray and Glenda were married on January 19, 1951 in the Logan Temple. Their wedding, on that cold and snowy morning, was the beginning of a warm and loving family.
Mom and Dad learned and grew together during each stop on their life journey. They lived in Delta, Provo, Sandy, and then in 1968 they built their final home in Farmington.
In each of their wards they rolled up their sleeves and served. Mom’s service included her calling as Relief Society President in the Farmington 2nd Ward in which she served in an excellent way.
Mom and Dad raised a large family of eight children, and taught them to be faithful, and to work hard to achieve their goals. Family prayer and family home evening were always observed. Mom developed her talents and skills, and blended them seamlessly into her family. She kept a beautiful home. She cooked delightful meals. She made many loaves of bread each week. She preserved a variety of fruits and vegetables each year. She learned how to decorate cakes, and loved presenting them to her family. She mastered the art of candy making at Christmas time. She made many beautiful quilts. She learned to paint, and won a high school art contest. She developed a love for ceramic art, and created dozens of ceramic pieces which her family treasures. She learned to do leatherwork. She refurnished furniture. She loved music, especially the piano. She kept a beautiful yard, having earned her Master Gardener certificate.
Mom loved to try new things. At age 51 she learned to ski. At age 56 she completed the St. George Marathon, winning two awards for her age category. She loved to camp, and hike, and travel anywhere with Dad, especially to Dad’s beloved Hawaii.
Mom and Dad served as senior missionaries in the England London mission during 1993-1994. Upon returning they served in the Bountiful Utah Temple. After Dad passed away in 2000, Mom served another mission to Dallas, Texas in 2005.
After Dad’s passing, Mom continued to serve her family, visiting them often, and being the center of the regular family reunions.
Mom is survived by her brother Neal (Cheryl) Swann, Preston, Idaho, and her eight children: Gail (Kjell) Jenkins, Ammon, Idaho; Wayne (Bobbi) Gardner, Las Vegas, Nevada; Wendy Joan (Blair) Woolf, St. George, Utah; Kevin (Lynn) Gardner, Bountiful, Utah; Robert (Lori) Gardner, Richfield, Utah; Julie Gardner, Orem, Utah; Jerry (Frances) Gardner, Farmington, Utah; and Gina (Andy) Brown, Saratoga Springs, Utah, and by 31 grandchildren; 68 great -grandchildren; and 6 great-great-grandchildren.
Two of Mom and Dad’s grandchildren are currently serving missions. Sister Emily Brown is serving in the Missouri St. Louis mission, and Elder Ethan Brown is serving as an ASL missionary in the Texas Ft. Worth mission.
Mom was preceded in death by her husband Ray, her great-grandson Lincoln Webb, her parents, and her brothers and sister: Alma Swann, Seth Swann, Grace Mortimer, Edward Swann, and Lyle Swann.
The family thanks the doctors, staff, and residents of Abbington Memory Care in Lehi for the welcoming kindness and care given to Mom. The family also thanks Dignity Home Health and Hospice for their excellent care of Mom.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 28, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the Farmington Second Ward chapel, 695 South 200 East, Farmington. Friends may call Sunday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful and again Monday morning at the chapel from 9:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Interment Farmington City Cemetery.