Beatrice Marie “Rusty” Gardiner, 89 of Leonardtown, MD passed away on May 16, 2016 in Easton, MD. Born May 11, 1927 in Philadelphia, PA, she was the daughter of the late Blanche Louise Ruzicka Rigling and Walter Rigling.
Rusty was the loving wife of the late Thomas Richard Gardiner, II whom she married on May 13, 1950 in Philadelphia, PA and preceded her in death on November 1, 1991.
Rusty is survived by her children; Richard Gardiner of Orlando, FL, Robert Gardiner of Leonardtown, MD and Nancy Craft of Easton, MD, brother; Walter Rigling of Winter Park, FL and 2 grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister; Louise Rohrbach.
Rusty graduated from Springfield High School in 1945 and from Penn State in 1949 with a Bachelor of Science degree, she moved to St. Mary’s County in 1979. Rusty was a County Extension Agent for St. Mary’s County she retired in 1989. She was a member of the Literacy Council of St. Mary’s County (Volunteer); Breton Bay Garden Club; Master Gardener and Catholic Daughters.
The family will receive friends on Monday, May 23, 2016 from 5:00PM to 8:00PM with prayers recited at 7:00PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at 11:00Am in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with Father Thomas Crowley officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be; Hugh Gardiner, IV, David Craft, Robert Gardiner, Richard Gardiner, Brother Knight and Brother Knight.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary’s and /or the Audubon Society of Maryland.
