Colleen Ruth (Reynolds) Gardner, 83 passed away October 26, 2026 at Cheyenne County
Hospital in St Francis, KS. Colleen was born November 16th, 1942 along with her twin sisterCorrine who died in infancy, in Minden NE to Franklin and Ruth Reynolds of BloomingtonNE. She met Chet Gardner in first grade, but after a playground kiss, Colleen was notimpressed, but he ultimately won her over with his charismatic charm and handsome navyuniform. Colleen graduated from Bloomington High School in 1960 and Kearney StateCollege in 1963. She began teaching that fall in St. Francis, KS. Chet and Colleen weremarried February 12, 1964. To this union were born four boys, Troy, Todd, Justin and Jason.She taught English many years and retired from teaching in 2006. One of the great joys inher life was singing with the Windsong Chorus Sweet Adelines International in Sterling COand KC Connection quartet. She also loved traveling around the country in an RV with Chetwhere they made many good friends. She adored her eleven grandkids including Julianna,daughter of Troy Gardner; Matthew, Abby, Jacob and spouse Alexa, Levi, Michael, Isaac,and Josiah children of Todd and Rhonda Gardner; Gus son of Justin and Danielle Gardner;Kolby and Kylie, children of Jason and Tanya Gardner. She was a member of St FrancisUnited Methodist Church, various community organizations, and any other “punny” thingsshe could think of. She is preceded in death by her parents Franklin and Ruth Reynolds,sister Corrine, and Chet’s parents Glen and Darolene Gardner. Colleen will be dearlymissed by her husband, children, grandchildren and countless friends. Memorials can bemade to Windsong Chorus of Sterling CO.