Ransom Funeral Home
610 South Washington Street
Castalia, OH 44824
Phone: 419-626-6666
Fax: 419-684-5191
Email: ransom244@aol.com
Website: http://www.ransomfuneralhome.com
View All Obituaries from Ransom Funeral Home
Patricia L. Gardner, 96, residing in Castalia, passed away Monday morning, March 1, 2021. She was born December 5, 1924, to George and Mildred (Strecker) Bohn.
Patricia was a lifelong Castalia resident. She graduated from Margaretta High School in 1943. She was the war bond queen her senior year, raising the most funds for war bonds purchased to support troops fighting in World War II.
She was the beloved wife to her high school sweetheart, Duane "Peck" Gardner. Their romance blossomed in high school as they enjoyed being Polar Bears together. She was a cheerleader and he was on the first Margaretta six-man football team. They became engaged while Duane was in the Navy. They were married on February 18th, 1946. Pat and Duane built their home together over the years, brick by brick; it has always been a welcome and loving gathering place for their family. They were married for 67 years.
Patricia worked briefly for the GE and Philco companies early in her life. She was later the first female bus driver for Margaretta Local Schools. She drove a 96 passenger bus for a time during the mid-1960's before deciding her time needed to be spent at home with family. She would often reminisce fondly about many of the children she enjoyed getting to know while driving the bus.
Pat was an exceptional cook and baker. Her kitchen table was often filled with her family. She could make a feast for all at the drop of a hat. Her pies and baked goods were always special family treats. She knew what pie was a favorite to all of her children and grandchildren.
Family truly meant everything to Patricia. She was a wonderful "Mom" to Terri Gardner, Duane "Kim" (Julie) Gardner, Jan (Charlie) Adams, and Cindy (Raul) Veliz. She was a loving and devoted "Grandma" to her grandchildren Teal (Bradley) Balduff, Tara (Dave Tribuzzo) Brown, James (Sarah) Gardner, Matt Gardner, Erin (Jon) Valko, Kyle (Jessica) Veliz, and Karli Veliz. She was an adoring "Gigi" to Drew, Trent, Chloe, Aubree, Kaden, Gauge, Avery, Kaycee, Blake, Collin, Harper, Emelia, and Kyia.
Patricia is also survived by her brother and sister-in law, Max and Patty Bohn, sisters in-law Betty and Delores Bohn, and many, many nieces and nephews. Patricia's brothers were life-long neighbors to Pat and Duane. Bohn and Gardner children grew up within walking distance of one another. Cousins played endlessly at one another's houses, and the friendships established by those cousins years ago continue to this day.
In addition to her parents, Patricia was preceded in death by her husband Duane, a son who passed in infancy, her brothers George, Bill, and Jack, and sister-in-law Virginia Bohn.
A private family service will be held on Friday March 5th at Grace Lutheran Church. The Reverend Kathleen Suggitt will officiate. Burial will be at Castalia Cemetery. A celebration of life will take place at a later date. Ransom Funeral & Cremation Service, Castalia, is in charge of the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to contribute to Patricia's memory may do so to Stein Hospice, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Margaretta Rescue Squad Fund, 113 South Avenue, Castalia, or Grace Lutheran Church, 203 South Washington Street, Castalia.
Condolences may be shared with the family at www.ransomfuneralhome.com
