Rose Emerson Gardner

Rose Emerson Gardner was born to Earle Evans Emerson and Diva Elizabeth Emerson in Wewoka, Oklahoma on October 10, 1931. She attended Cromwell Schools where her father was Superintendent. She graduated in 1949, lettering in both band and basketball.

Rose married William H. Gardner on July 21, 1951 in Wewoka. She was a long time member of the Wewoka First United Methodist Church.

She completed her master's degree in Education from East Central in 1966. She taught school one year in Sasakwa before moving to Wewoka where she taught in Wewoka Public Schools for 31 years.

When she was nearing retirement, she was elected to the Butner Public School Board where she served for many years. During this time, she became the chair of the Cromwell Alumni Association until it disbanded due to the advancing age of members.

Perhaps her most proud service was administering the Seminole and sometimes Hughes County GED programs. She taught classes and tested students in many locations, including the local prison for approximately 10 years. She dedicated her life to helping people through education.

Rose was preceded in death by her parents, her five brothers, her husband of fifty seven years, William H. Gardner, and many dear friends including special friend Louise Wells.

She is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Rose Johnson of Edmond, OK, son William E. Gardner and wife Tenise of Ft. Smith, AR, sister Imogene Mowdy of Coalgate, OK, 4 grandsons, Eric Johnson and wife Yukiko, Travis Johnson and wife Ema, Evan Gardner, Ryan Gardner and 7 great-grandchildren, many beloved nieces and nephews, and a host of other friends and relatives.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Mercy Hospice in OKC for their kindness and support.

In lieu of flowers the family requests sending a donation to your favorite charity.

Funeral service will be at 10:00 AM, Monday, January 24, 2022, at Stout-Phillips Chapel in Wewoka, OK.

Graveside service to be held after for those who are more comfortable gathering outdoors at Oakwood Cemetery in Wewoka, OK.

Out of consideration for others, masks will be mandatory.

Arrangements by Stout-Phillips Funeral Home in Wewoka, Oklahoma.