Gardner, Virginia Muriel Dulin

Virginia Muriel Dulin Gardner died Saturday, Oct. 12, 2013. She was born Oct. 22, 1926. She was born at home northeast of Selma, Iowa, to James E. and Cleo Hanshaw Dulin. She attended school at Selma where she graduated in 1944. She was employed as a riveter at the B-29 factory near Omaha, Neb., during World War II. She returned to Ottumwa and worked at Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. as an operator. Virginia married Melvin Thomas (Bud) Gardner on Jan. 19, 1947. He was the love of her life and Bud always joked: “She wanted to marry me from the time she was twelve!”

In December 1975 she professed Jesus Christ as her savior and was baptized in the First Baptist Church of Fairfield where she faithfully served throughout her life. Virginia loved being with her family and friends. She was an avid reader and bird watcher and enjoyed being outdoors in God's creation.

She is survived by her four children, Debra Kay Gardner, Cedar Rapids, LuAnn Frisch, Coralville, Mark Alan (Louise) Gardner, Colona, Ill. and James Dale Gardner, Moline, Ill.; seven grandchildren, Alison Gardner, Adam Frisch, Shana Gardner, Jennifer Gardner, Mike Gardner, Jessica Gardner and Lisa Roberson; and four great-grandchildren.

Virginia was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marvel; brother, Richard; two infant brothers; her sister-in-law, Shirley Swift; her husband, Bud in 1998; and a grandson.

Visitation with family will be at First Baptist Church of Fairfield, starting at 6 p.m. Tuesday, and Celebration of Life services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday Oct. 16, at The First Baptist Church of Fairfield, Iowa.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Fairfield. Cards and memorials can be sent to: 935 Applewood Court #4, Coralville, IA 52241.

Online condolences may be sent to .

Arrangements are in the care of the Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield.

Published in The Gazette Oct. 15, 2013.