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Betty Gardner, age 86, of Denton, TX, formerly of Albertville, MN, Spring Valley, MN, Plymouth, MN, New Hope, MN, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2026.
Affectionately known as “Betty the Bookie”, for her enthusiasm to win a $2 bet (and her extreme displeasure of losing) was born on January 17, 1940, to Wendell and Francianna Keeler. She grew up in Currie, MN, and Slayton, MN, with her eight siblings.
“Generally speaking...she’s generally speaking” was the cutline under her photo in her senior high school yearbook. Diploma in hand, she moved to Minneapolis and graduated from Mendall Cain Beauty School in 1960.
In February of 1961, Betty married her high school sweetheart, Jim Gardner, and they were blessed with four children: Susan, Mark, Laurie and Stephen. Betty had overwhelming love for her children, was very active in their lives with Scouting, sporting activities, child taxi and teaching life lessons of cooking, cleaning, and laundry. Tom Sawyer-ing her kids into making chores seem fun, while showing them real life lessons and rearing four confident children along the way.
Betty was always there for family and friends. She loved her four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, and was always happiest when around family. Memories will be cherished by her family and all who have come to know her over the years. She was also devoted to all her four-legged companions -- especially Yorkies.
Betty is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, James Gardner, her children Susan “Sioux” Koster, J. Mark Gardner, Laurie (Alan) Diekrager, and Stephen Gardner; four grandchildren: Benjamin Cox, Hannah Gardner, Meghann Peterson (Caleb), and Molly Gardner; two great-grandchildren: Claire and Amelia; sisters: Pat (LaValle) Madsen, Angie (Ed) Smith, Virginia Lacugnato, and many other relatives and friends.
Preceded in death by her parents Wendell and Francianna Keeler, brothers Richard, Chuck, James, and Jeff; sister Judy (Orville) Ruppert; son-inlaw Rick Koster.
“I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.” - Leo Buscaglia
