Pauline Gardner

PAULINE GARDNER Pauline Gardner died Friday, January 31, 2003 in Austin, Texas. Graveside services will be held Monday, February 3 at 11:30am at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco, Texas. Services are under the directions of Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey, 6101 Bosque Blvd. Pauline was born June 15, 1920 in Gordon, Texas and was raised in Weatherford. She spent her teenage and college years at Weatherford Junior College, serving on the tumbling team and also performing acrobatic dancing under the direction of actress Mary Martin. Pauline married Arthur Fletcher in 1935, and they raised their family of five children in Waco, where she also worked as a legal secretary. She married O.C. Gardner in 1968 and they moved to Fort Worth, where she continued to work as a legal secretary for many years. Pauline enjoyed collecting and refinishing antiques and preferred living in grand, old houses which she decorated with antiques and paintings. She was a staunch Democrat who loved politics and often read three papers daily. People, art, style and beauty in the world around were her interests, and she expressed these interests in her good deeds, eloquent words, stylish clothes and beautiful appearance. Her children will carry her wonderful spirit in their hearts forever. She was preceded in death by her husband, O.C. Gardner and son, Kevin Fletcher. She is survived by her daughters, Linda Deal of Waco and Robin Fletcher of Austin; her sons, Dr. David Fletcher and wife “Rusty” of Tyler, Ryan Fletcher of Denton, Clark Gardner of Houston and Ralph Gardner of Amarillo; and her dear friend, Sid Steele of Fort Worth. She was the lively “Granny Red” to grandchildren Melody, Cal, Natalie, Denise, Joseph, Jonathon, Nathaniel, Sarah, Brett, Jaime, Jason and Monica; great-grandmother to Rachel, Heidi, Katie, Calvin V and Devon; and great-great-grandmother to Wesley. The family wishes to thank the physicians and nursing staff at South Austin Hospital who provided our mother’s medical care. They also wish to express sincere appreciation to the staff of Stonebridge Health Center, who cared for our mother, reassured her and brought her happiness during the last year of her life. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association.