Sue Gardiner passed away January 17, 2009 in Midland Texas. Sue was born in Sapulpa, Oklahoma on March 22, 1931 and attended Sapulpa schools until her sophomore year when her family moved to Oklahoma City, where she attended Classen High School and Oklahoma City University.

In 1959 she married Montell L. Gardiner and in 1961 moved to Midland, Texas. She worked for ARCO Oil & Gas Co. and retired in 1989. "Bridge" was her favorite pastime. She was a member of the American Contract Bridge League for many years and earned the rank of Gold Life Master, working to attain the rank of Diamond Life Master. She loved the game, and she loved the friends she made while playing.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, Montell Gardiner; her grandson, Willian Bryan Builta III; her great-grandson, Braden Jace Penwell; and her parents, Shelby and Roberta Cline.

She is survived by her three children, Sharon Kay Penwell and husband Steve of Litchfield Park, AZ, Debora Sue Wilson and husband John of Parker, CO, and Stanley Gardiner Penwell and wife Cindy of Scottsdale, AZ; her five grandchildren, Shana Shimmin, Rachelle Ann Builta-Willis, Kristina Kay Underwood, Lisa Penwell, Joseph Penwell; five great-grandchildren, Maddy and Jackson Penwell, Weston Hoyt Underwood, Brooklyn Paige Foreman, J.D. Shimmin; her two sisters, Eleanor Elizabeth Combs and Shirley Anne Blackburn. She was one of the few people in life who gave "unconditional love;" her passing leaves a void in our lives, and she will be greatly missed by all.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at Ellis Funeral Chapel. Memorials may be directed to American Diabetes Association, 10 Desta Drive, Suite 220-E, Midland, Texas 79705. Arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home, 801 Andrews Highway, Midland, Texas.