Joey Dye Gardner

Joey Dye Gardner passed away Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at The Gables of Ammon, of congestive heart failure. Joey was born in Firth, Idaho on September 1, 1932 to William Clyde and Ida Irene Dye Gardner.

Joey was raised in Firth and graduated from Firth High School in 1951. After graduation Joey married Doris Nield in the Idaho Falls Temple on May 31, 1951. To this loving union five daughters and one son were born. After twenty-seven years of marriage, Doris passed away September 12, 1978. After Doris’ death Joey married Barbara Cooper; they were later divorced.

On February 27, 1993 Joey married Sharon Christensen Searle in the Idaho Falls Temple. They enjoyed living in Shelley for the next twenty-five years. Joey was a much loved and important part of the Searle family.

Joey was taught at a young age how to work. During his life he was a partner in the Nield Family business; worked as a farm hand, an aircraft electrical installer and a baker. He also farmed independently for 5 years and sold insurance before finding his career in the potato processing industry, reaching the position of Area Manager. In Joey’s later years he worked as a long haul truck driver and school bus driver. He especially enjoyed driving the school bus. He loved the children he picked up each day, and taking the high school teams to their ball games. He loved watching those games! Joey also enjoyed flying airplanes, boat building and fishing.

Joey lived in Idaho, Montana, California and Washington during his life. He met many good people wherever he went. He had a loving heart and a remarkable ability to make friends with everyone.

Joey was raised to believe in Jesus Christ. He was an active member of the LDS church and served in many callings. Joey and his wife Sharon served a full time mission in Santiago, Chile. In his service, he learned much about himself and the Plan of Salvation. He was grateful to have been born of goodly parents whose sacrifices provided him with many blessings.

Joey is survived by his wife Sharon and his children: Sherrie (Ron) Pruett, Dianne (Randy) Norton, son-in-law Stephen Adams, Angela (Brad) Ferrell and Janet (Matthew) Yourglich; stepchildren: Gerald (Jolynn) Searle, Mark (Dana) Searle, Stacy (Farrell) Steiner, Daren (Darlene) Searle, Laura (Thayne) Sparks, David (Janet) Searle, Kim (Shawn) Rigby, Bruce (Susan) Searle, Linda (Terry) Earl, Shelli (Graig) Gemar, and Jenni (David) Cummings. He is also survived by his brothers, Mark (Wilma) Gardner and Bruce (Susan) Gardner, and sisters Clyda (Don) Jones and Carolyn Gardner; 15 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren, 61 step grandchildren and 123 step great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents William and Ida Gardner; brothers Therol, Delin and Stanley Gardner; his wife Doris; son Danny Craig Gardner and daughter Linda Adams; grandsons Matthew Ferrell and Gabriel Anderson; step granddaughter Kiersten Gemar and step great grandson Kaden Wyatt.

Joey and Sharon’s family would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to The Gables of Ammon for the love and kindness they have shown; and to Aspen Hospice nurses April, Liz, Bethany and Nicole, who provided loving care to Joey and support to Sharon. We are all truly grateful for them.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday June 9, 2018 at the Shelley Fifth Ward Chapel (513 S Park Avenue). The family will meet with friends Friday from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at Nalder Funeral Home (110 West Oak) in Shelley and Saturday 9:30 a.m. until 10:40 a.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Firth Cemetery.