Geraldine K. "Gerry" Gardner

August 4, 1941 - December 18, 2021

Gerry Gardner peacefully went to be with the Lord, Saturday, December 18. She was 80 years old. She was born August 4, 1941 in Louisville, KY to Raymond Charles and Mary Elizabeth Kemper, who proceeded her in death. Also waiting to greet her in heaven are her siblings, Mary Rita Horn, Sr. Delores Kemper, OSU, Phyllis Block, and Bill Kemper (Evelyn). She is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years, Kenneth E. Gardner; her son, Kenneth “Kent” Gardner Jr., her daughter-in-law Sheri; her grandchildren who were the joy of her life, Rebecca “Becky” Gardner, Kathryn “Katie” Gardner, and Kenneth Gardner, III; her brother Raymond C. Kemper (Mary Helen) & brother-in-law Robert Horn. Gerry was a parishioner at St. Martha Parish from 1971, and was active in the parish for many years. In 1975 she agreed to fill in as bus driver for half a year until the school could find a permanent driver, but she fell in love with the job and continued to drive the school bus for St. Martha for nearly 20 years. Many of her former riders still comment warmly on how she would wait for students who were running a little late, greet all her riders with a smile, and how she played WAKY radio for them. She was very athletic, playing playing high school basketball for Ursuline, and she continued to be active, enjoying volleyball and tennis for many years. She was a devout Catholic and prayed fervently. She loved to say the rosary, and she passed away with a rosary in her hands. She will have a private ceremony for immediate family only, with a memorial mass and celebration of life to be held at a later date. Ratterman and Sons on Bardstown Road is caring for the Gardner family and online condolences may be shared at www.ratterman.com. Expressions of sympathy may be made to St. Martha Parish or Hosparus Health.