Sallie Gardner

Sallois Ardis Gardner, age 88, of Wyoming, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025, surrounded by her family. Sallie, as she was affectionately known by her family and friends, was born on September 20, 1936, in Steen, Minnesota, to Herman and Stellva (Beek) Essman.

She grew up on a farm. After graduating, she moved to Minneapolis where she began working at a local bank. It was at Oliver Presbyterian Church in Minneapolis that Sallie met the love of her life, Robert Gardner. The couple married in 1964, beginning a beautiful life together. In 1972, they made their home in Columbus Township. They raised their children on a hobby farm where she milked goats, made goat cheese, canned and frozen produce from her garden, raised chickens, and made apple sauce from their orchard. She also enjoyed selling Avon, Mary Kay, and Home Interiors through the years. She loved attending Bible study, gardening, quilting, sewing, and reading, but nothing brought her more happiness than her role as a devoted mother and grandmother. Sallie’s love for her family was limitless, and she demonstrated it in countless ways—often through spoiling them with her care and attention, a reflection of her deep love and devotion.

Sallie’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was an active member of Crossroads Covenant Church for many years before becoming part of the Linwood Covenant family. Her love for Jesus Christ sustained her throughout her life, and in her final years, she looked forward to the promise of eternal peace in Heaven.

Sallie was preceded in death by her parents, Herman and Stellva Essman; her beloved husband, Robert Gardner; her sister, Audrey Rud; and her brother-in-law, Don Baker. She is survived by her children, Colleen (Gary) Peters and Tim (Tara) Gardner; her grandchildren, Sonya Murray, Victoria Gardner, Brooke Gardner, Laura Peters, and Grace Peters; her siblings, Morla Baker, Beverly (John) Gerken, Melva (Paul) Ferm, Herman (Valerie) Essman, Pauline (Kenneth) Ahrendt, and Wyona (Roger) Stewart; her brother-in-law, Don Rud; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

A funeral service to honor Sallie’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, June 27, 2025, at Linwood Covenant Church, 6565 Viking Blvd, NE, Wyoming, Minnesota. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church. A luncheon will follow the service. Interment will take place at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Sallie will be remembered for her unwavering love, kindness, and faith, and for the lasting impact she made on everyone fortunate enough to know her.