Annie Obituary

Annie Laura Gardenhire was born September 10, 1921 in Mont gomery, Texas to Russell and Ine: Byrd. At an early age, the family moved to Slaton, Texas where she completed her public schooling. In 1940, she was married to Van Harrison, a ser- viceman stationed on the West Coast and in 1943 the couple moved to Seattle, Washington.

While in Seattle, Annie completed many licensed and certified programs. She was blessed with a wealth of natural talent in floral design, ceramics, interior decorating, upholstery, millinery and fashion design. In addition to becoming a licensed practical nume in 1949, Annie was a member of a woman's social club and par ticipated in car and float decoration for many Seafair and Mardi Gras festivities.

In 1952, her husband Van Harrison passed. Shortly after she met and married Richard Gardenhire. This union was blessed with six children. After the birth of their first child, Annie became involved with countless youth-related activities, some of which were as board members with public school P.T.A.s, and Rotary Boy's Clubs. She was a teacher in Seattle Public School's model youth re-entry program, E.S.P.; Colman Elementary School representative on the Central Area School Council, and worked with the King County Juvenile Court Release Program Besides staying busy in the community, their home was home for over 150 youth from infant to post-teens. It was also home for over 25 senior and elderly citizens, During this period, she never neglected church activities and was a dedicated member of Grace United Methodist Church.

Annie left this life on December 27, 1983. She leaves to mourn her loving husband Richard; her faithful children, Richard Earl, Gena, John, Gail, Eugene and Rebecca; her beloved mother, Inez Byrd. Four sisters, Juanita Johnson, Hollis Jones, Erma Wallace and Alice Moore. Four brothers, Walter, Russell, Willis and Chif ton Byrd. Three grandchildren, Michael Anthony, Ramona Avees, John Jay, Jr., numerous nephews and nieces, and a host of family and friends.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitute for the many expressions of sympathy during this hour of bereavement. May God bless you.