Shirley Keith Gardner

NAPLES – Shirley Keith Gardner, 94, passed away on Tuesday, February 17 in the family home in Naples, NY.

She was predeceased by her husband, John; her parents, Cyrena and Stanley Keith; and her brothers, Glenn, Bud and Jack.

She is survived by her children, Sue (Mike) Smith, Jane Gardner, John Gardner, Sara Beth (late Roger) Newton, Sally Gardner, Joanna Gardner and Julie (Phil) Berry; by her sisters-in-law, Brenda Keith and Dorothy Schmidt; and by thirteen grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Shirley was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Shirley graduated from Naples Central School and from Cortland State Teachers College (SUNY Cortland) and taught girls’ physical education in several schools in the area. She loved her family, the outdoors, dogs, gardening, quilting, camping and sports, especially the Syracuse Orangemen basketball team.

Shirley requested a private graveside service with her family, and there will be no calling hours. A Celebration of Life is being planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions to Hospeace House of Naples, NY are appreciated.