Mona Irene Gardner

Mona passed away October 18th, 2022, at 96 years old. She was preceded in death by her brothers Eric and Bud Anderson and her sister Ruth Jessen, her husband Chet, and her son Fred Gardner.

Her parents Captain Nils and Mona Anderson, had to dock the the five masted Barkentine, “FOREST PRIDE” in Seattle so little Mona could be born on July 3, 1926.

Her family then retired from the sea and settled in Silver Lake, Washington.

She married Chester F. Gardner in 1945. However their story began when Mona’s little rooster climbed in the mail bag at the Silver Lake Post Office (run by her mother) and arrived at the Toutle Post Office (run by Chet’s father). 13 year old Chet was sent to return the rooster to Silver Lake. He looked at 11 year old Mona’s big blue eyes and fell in love.

From 1961-1975 the family ran the Silver Lake Resort, while Chet was a Cowlitz County Commissioner. She was a member of the Eastern Star, Castle Rock Christian Church, she worked on the election board for many years, and volunteered for PTA and Hospice. She traveled often, with Chet to New Zealand and to Norway with her sister Ruth.

Mona was very active, loved nature, was a green thumb gardener, and an avid reader.

She loved hiking the Plains of Abraham on Mt. St. Helens before and after the mountain blew. She is very fondly remembered for her huckleberry pies.

She is survived by her children April Sevcik and her husband Bob, Karen Johnson, Clark Gardner and wife Patty, and Steven Gardner and wife Melissa. She has 12 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 2 great-great grand children.

A memorial service will be held in Castle Rock at Hubbards Funeral Home at 2pm October 28, 2022. At 3:30 she will be interned at the Silver Lake Cemetery next to her husband of 72 years and many extended family members.