Rebecca Ellis Gardner
November 25, 1971 ~ November 20, 2017
Resided in:
Asheville, North Carolina
Rebecca Ellis Gardner, 45, passed away November 20th at her home with her family by her side.
Mrs. Gardner was born in Lafayette, Louisiana to John and Rebecca Champagne Ellis of Asheville.
Rebecca graduated from UNCA and worked licensing foster homes at Caring For Children, where her commitment to the protection and care of foster children was fulfilled.
She is survived by her husband, Geoff Buchanan Gardner; four children, Ashley Lyons and her husband Mead of Lexington, KY, Bentley Cook, Bryce Gardner and Haley Gardner; a sister, Kathleen Richardson Joseph and her husband, Brad of Raleigh, NC; three brothers, Andrew Ellis and his wife, Jeannie of Lafayette, LA, John Ellis Jr. and his wife, Sylvia of Asheville and Paul Ellis of Asheville; two grandchildren, Harper Grey Lyons and Brooke Ellis Lyons and four nieces and nephews, Drew Ellis, Noelle Ellis, Gabi Ellis and Dominic Ellis.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 pm on November 24th at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian on Long Shoals Road in Arden with a Rosary being said at 4:00 pm.
A funeral mass will be held November 25th at 1pm at the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Asheville with the Rev. Father C. Morris Boyd officiating. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Montford.
Memorial donations may be made to Caring for Children of Asheville.
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I am very sorry to hear about the loss of Rebecca. Though I did not know her well, she left a lasting impression on me. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you all in this very sad time.
I am heartbroken to hear this. Such a beautiful person inside and out. Praying for all friends and family who love her so much. The heavens will be beautiful with her.
What a beautiful soul:) you will surely be missed
Geoff and family, we are truly sorry. You all have our love and prayers.
Geff and family – thinking of you and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Rebecca was a kind, beautiful, sweet friend who will be missed early by anyone who knew her. My heart aches with grief to know she has passed. I wish everyone who loves her peace.
What a wonderful soul she was and will be so missed.
Thinking of all of you and praying for you. Carolyn
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers from my family to yours . Susie Azar
Geoff and family. We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Rebecca . Hugs to all of you!!
Rebecca was a dear friend and an Angel on Earth! She was loved by everyone and will be missed dearly! RIP sweet Angel!
I’m so sorry to hear this. Rebecca was such a beautiful person inside and out. I will forever cherish our friendship and time we spent together. We will be praying for the family.
What a beautiful angel Heaven has gained. She was one of the most amazing women I have been blessed to know. She accepted each as they were and always had a smile. Geoff and family you all will be in my thoughts and prayers. May the peace that passes all understanding be poured apon you. So very sorry for your loss. Lori Crook
I remember my mother visting with Becky while standing in the driveway of the first Oakbourne house. Becky was holding a beautiful child named Rebecca in her arms. That was about 43 years ago but I for some reason remember it like it was yesterday. God bless you all in this difficult time.
She has no more tears or pain. Our loss is truly heaven’s gain. She was always smiling and listening to whatever you had to say. She will be missed.
Fly high sweet Becca, as you have fought a good fight, Prayers are being said for your family and may they find comfort in knowing that you are watching over them always. Sending prayers from Lafayette, from the old Oakbourne neighbors!
Rebecca was a sweet wonderful kind friend who I had many adventures with, I will always remember her infectious smile and laugh. I am so very deeply sorry for your loss.
My sweet Rebecca, I will miss our talks! You were such a GREAT friend and I will forever have a place in my heart for you! There are so many high school memories that I will cherish…fly high sweet girl! No more pain! I love you always!
Becky and John,
It was with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Rebecca. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain you are feeling now, but I hope you will know that others out here are thinking of you. Take a day at a time, and know she is at peace. All my best to you both and all of your and Rebecca’s family.
Sybil
We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with all of you. Love you!!
I am so very sorry to hear of Rebecca’s passing and joining our Lord. My prayers and thoughts and feelings go towards all of her family and with deep sympathy and much love. She was a beautiful person.
Geoff and family,
So sad to hear this sad news! I have stood where you stand and I hurt for you. Love you man
David Walker
What terrible loss for all who knew her and a terrible loss to all the children in this tough world. Our heart aches for your beautiful family. I now believe in angels. Peace to you beautiful Rebecca
Becky and John, Debbie and I were so sorry to hear about ‘little Becky’s’ passing. We have prayed and prayed and prayed, and will continue our prayers for you and ‘little Becky’. We can’t imagine how hard this is for you, as we have a daughter a couple of years younger. Children are supposed to bury their parents, and not the reverse. If there is anything, ANYTHING, we can do, please don’t hesitate to call. And we are sincere about this. Our sympathy and prayers are with you. God Bless you and your whole family.
Love, Debbie and Sandy Lyman
Geoff and family we are so sorry for the loss of your love one are hearts go out to you all no more suffering or pain love hugs prayers for you all.
Geoff and family, I am so very sorry to hear about Rebecca passing. She was a beautiful person and a trooper… always smiling and friendly. My heart and deepest sympathy goes out to all of you.
Although I never had the honor of meeting Rebecca, she was married to my cousin Geoff’s. My Mom loved Rebecca dearly, as did, it seems all her knew her. My love to the entire Gardner and Ellis families.
Although I never had the honor of meeting Rebecca, she was married to my cousin Geoff. My Mom loved Rebecca dearly, as did, it seems all her knew her. My love to the entire Gardner and Ellis families.
Dearest John, Becky and Geoff, there are no words to express how truly sad I am for your loss. I am so thankful I knew Rebecca. She was so special. A beautiful person, inside and out. Keeping you, the kids and your entire family in my prayers.
Uncle Johnny and Aunt Becky and all the kids please accept our condolences from the Joe and Edna Ellis family . Rebecca will always be remembered by us as a beautiful person with a caring soul. May god bless you all.
I’m so very sorry…what a beautiful soul..i pray in earnest fpr Geoff and the family I pray for your comfort…heaven is a brighter place…
John, Becky and family,
Steve and I are so saddened to hear of your loss. We were staying informed of Rebecca’s condition through Chris and Nina. We have been praying for you and your family and will continue to do so. Please know that you are in our thoughts.
Love,
Steve and Jan
My sincerest condolances, she was such a good person. Both Rebecca and Geof were so good to me when my son and I moved to Asheville. Rebecca you were there for me more than once. I know you are one of God’s Brightest lights. Mel, my son Marc and I, send hugs and prayers to Geoffrey and all of the family..
Geoff,
So sorry to hear of Rebecca’s passing. If you ever need anything from us please do not hesitate to call.
Theresa D. Stoker RN,OCN
There are no good words at times like this but I will be thinking of you and your family for a long time. Rebecca was good and kind and what better human legacy is there?