Lou Estelle Sparks Gardner passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 28, 2022 in Delta, Utah just shy of her 97th birthday. Estelle was born on March 30, 1925 in Nampa, Idaho, the sixth of the seven children of George Henry and Maida Selena Oakey Sparks. She grew up in Nampa helping out on the family farm. She graduated from high school in Nampa during World War II and got a job as an aircraft machinist at Hill Air Force Base. While there she also received her pilots license. After the war, her sister encouraged her to move out to Washington, DC and get a job with the government. Taking the advice, Estelle spent a few years working as a secretary in the forensics division of the FBI.
Estelle married Richard Manwaring Gardner on February 16, 1949 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. They made their home in Delta, Utah where they raised their family of 6 children. Estelle was a wonderful mother. A special memory for her family is her delicious homemade bread. She was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and service many years in the primary. After her children were in school, she began her employment for the Delta Post Office, until she retired.
Estelle love horseback riding, camping, and road trips with Richard. They had the enjoyment of traveling all over, in and out of the country, in their later years. Richard passed away on November 21, 2015.
Estelle is survived by her children: Kathy (Michael) Kallas; Dean (Katie); Kevin (Myrt); David; Ray (Cindy); 20 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren and 1 great-great granddaughter. She is preceded in death by her husband: Richard; son: Douglass (Turid); granddaughter: AnaLee; and great grandson: Matthew.
A Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 2, at 11:00 am, at the Nickle Mortuary, 190 S Center Street. Friends unable to attend in person are invited to view the recorded video of the Service. The link to the service will be posted with her obituary at www.nicklemortuary.com by Saturday afternoon. Burial will be in the Delta City Cemetery.