Barbara Gardner

Barbara Joan Slemin Gardner passed away March 8, 2024, in Scobey, MT.

Joan was born March 20, 1934, in Opheim, MT, to Emilia Novacek and Frank Slemin. Joan graduated from Opheim High School, as the Salutatorian, in 1952. Joan pursued her ambition to become a teacher, receiving her Bachelor of Science degree from Northern Montana College in 1962. Her teaching career spanned over thirty-four years, beginning in the Carbert Rural School, the Glasgow School District, and her eventual residency at the Mineral Bench School, in the Poplar School District. During her tenure, at the Mineral Bench School, a one-room schoolhouse, Joan provided education to approximately 200 students, of which ninety percent obtained college degrees.

Joan married the love of her life, Omar J. Gardner, on February 18, 1956, and enjoyed 33 years of "courtship".

Joan was a talented Musician, Artist, Seamstress, and an O.E.S. member of Prairie Chapter #75. Her hobbies included working puzzles, reading, gardening, baking, cooking, and canning. She valued education, manners, and a good work ethic.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Omar, one sister, Helen Jensen, and bother, Sam Ohanesian. She is survived by one sister, Mildred Kuykendall, a son, Britt Buster Gardner Davis, 2 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews.

At Joan's request, no services are to follow, and she requested all to go and do something they like to do.