Kay Gardner

Kay Creer Gardner, 87, of Provo Utah, passed away peacefully on December 6, 2021, with her family by her side.

On January 5, 1934, Kay was born to Norman and Iris Creer, in Provo, Utah. She graduated from Mount Diablo High School in Concord California in 1951, where she was the editor of the school paper, as well as the school mascot, the Red Devil. She received a degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University in 1955, and taught until 1964.

In 1957, Kay married the late Dr. H. Rex Gardner in the Salt Lake City Temple. They moved several places for Rex’s education, settling in Northbrook, Illinois, for 22 years, and then moved to Provo, Utah in 1992. They made lifelong friendships wherever they lived, continuing to exchange Christmas cards with so many.

Kay is survived by her daughters Lynay (Tony) Collins, and Alison (David) Fuller, both of Provo. She is also survived by six grandchildren; Jonathan Fuller, Jason (Abigail) Fuller, Ashley (Ryan) Maxfield, Michael (Alyssa) Fuller, Stephanie (Daniel) Monroe, and Nicole Fuller, and by five great-grandchildren; (Millicent, Zara, Kenai, Emma, and Elijah). She is also survived by her brothers Gordon (Janice) Creer, and David (Ann) Creer. Kay was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband, H. Rex Gardner in 2017.

Mom was talented in so many ways. She was accomplished in piano, often playing children's songs with her kids and later, her grandkids. She had such a strong artistic talent which she shared freely with everyone. She enjoyed tatting and created beautiful lacework flowers which she attached to homemade cards to send to people. Mom was known for her intricately wrapped packages and decorated cakes.

Kay was an avid sports fan, particularly enjoying football, and she and Rex closely followed teams from Chicago and BYU. Mom also loved playing games and doing puzzles, which she enjoyed with family and friends. She was very competitive. Kay overcame several physical challenges throughout her life.

Kay served in leadership and teaching positions in the community and in the LDS Church, and acknowledged the blessings she received from that service. One example is when she served on the Chicago Temple Committee, enabling her to compile the scrapbook that is now in the cornerstone of said temple. Because of her love of history, Kay always followed political conversations and never missed her opportunity to vote. She belonged to several organizations and clubs.

As a lifelong learner, Kay loved to take classes and do research, having a special passion for genealogy. Mom was brilliant. She had several collections, enjoying learning about seashells, antiques, and dolls. She loved to travel, and studied about each place before she visited; making itineraries that could rival a travel agent.

Kay was such a talented, intelligent woman and will be greatly missed.

The Viewing will be held on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at 12:00, with the Funeral following at 1:00 at the Hillside LDS Chapel; 1960 N. 1500 E. Provo Utah. A Graveside service will be held at the Provo Cemetery at 2:30.

Please consider wearing a mask.

There will be a Zoom link on NelsonMortuary.com for those unable to attend the funeral in person.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her name to latterdaysaintcharities.org for humanitarian efforts worldwide.