Martha Jane Gardiner (Oma) passed away peacefully at 100 years old after spending days surrounded by her family who offered her love and music. Martha Jane was born to Ed and Nettie Cavness in Phoenix, Arizona on February 8, 1921. She spent her entire childhood there with her two older sisters, Helen and Sarah.  Her father was a rancher, but the family also maintained a home in town where the girls lived a semi-rural western style life. They described their childhood as carefree and idyllic, although they were expected to adhere to the rules, carry out chores and take their studies seriously.  When asked about the Depression years, Martha Jane said their family was lucky with a nice home and plenty to eat and that they would try to help others in need.

Martha Jane followed her sisters to Arizona State University and, like them, got her degree in Education.  Throughout her life, she taught music whenever possible.  Being married to a Shell Oil Geophysicist and having 4 children added a challenge to that endeavor.

Martha Jane married William John Gardiner II (Bill) from Long Beach, California on April 22, 1944.  They wed in Phoenix and the groom left shortly thereafter for basic training.  After the war, the children and the moves began.  Four children born in four different cities, as is typical for a Shell family.  John in Phoenix, AZ, Curt in Long Beach, CA, Jane in Chico, CA and Susan in Bakersfield, CA.  After that, the family kept up its moves: to Durango, CO, Casper, WYO, Denver, CO, The Hague, Netherlands and finally, Houston, TX.  Throughout it all, Martha Jane was a devoted mother of four boisterous children and she did her best to impart manners, love of knowledge and a fun, open and warmhearted view of the world and others.

Upon Bill's retirement in 1986,  he constructed a family mountain home in Durango, CO, their favorite of all of the places they had lived. They joyfully escaped the Houston summers for their Durango home with Martha's sisters and any family and friends who could join them. Generations have continued to gather since. Martha also finally got to immerse herself in her true love: music.  She played for years with close friends in a Renaissance recorder group bringing great joy to herself and many others.  She also taught music to neighborhood children.  She taught mostly piano but could teach any instrument, including trombone, guitar, and recorder.  Most  importantly, she spent unlimited time with an expanding clan of Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren imparting her love, wisdom and values. Her love of family knew no bounds and their devotion to her continues still.

Martha Jane was predeceased by her parents,  two beloved sisters Sarah Middleton and  Helen Barfoot Cavness, and her husband Bill Gardiner. Martha Jane's lasting legacy is that she is survived by her children John Gardiner (Celeste), Curt Gardiner (Filietta), Jane Barber and Susan Hoffman (Mark); her cherished Grandchildren: Laura Gardiner Sayell (Martin), Stephanie Gardiner Brasesco (Luis), Michael Gardiner, Morgan Gardiner (Michael), Kristal Thomson (Derick), Amanda Valeri (Michael), Sarah Hoffman and David Hoffman; Step-Grandchildren: Emory Skolkin, Dayna Tillis (Josh), Damien Sayell (Sophie), Samantha Sayell (Jed) and Rhys Sayell (Chloe); Great-Grandchildren: Christina Thompson, Nicholas Thompson, Katherine Thompson, William Thomson, Elizabeth Thomson, Caroline Thomson, Isabella Valeri and Dillon Valeri and Step-Great Grandchildren: Hallie Tillis, Ada Sayell, Magnus Sayell and Marsia Whippey.

Each and every member of Martha Jane's family loved her deeply and received her absolute and unconditional love in return.  She taught us all how to act with respect and kindness as well as to try to see the beauty in each other and in the most simple things the world offers. We have lost our adored "Oma", but the world has lost a much needed giant of compassion and inclusion.  Her final resting place will be Durango, Colorado with her husband, Bill.