ELLSWORTH – Beth Fisher Gardner, 98, died Jan. 21, 2012, at an Ellsworth hospital. She was born Oct. 7, 1913, in Pembroke, daughter of Carroll E. and Esther J. (Wilder) Fisher.
She attended schools in Pembroke, Machias Teachers College and the University of Maine, Orono. Beth married Ralph Allan Gardner Jr., Aug. 24, 1940. She taught at Pembroke High School, was a substitute teacher in the Ellsworth school system, and was assistant librarian at Ellsworth City Library. She was initiated into the Eastern Star membership in 1956. Beth was a member of Pennamaquan Chapter No. 146, W.M. – W.P. from 1963 to 1964; grand representative to Virginia, 1964-1967; grand chaplain of Maine, 1981-1982; associate grand cando, 1982-1983; worthy grand matron, 1985-1986; member of Adoption Committee of General Grand Chapter, 2000-2003; member of Ellsworth Rainbow Assembly No. 9 Advisory Board, president of Ellsworth Federation Women’s Club and district president No. 8 of Maine Federation of Women’s Clubs. Beth enjoyed golf, horseback riding and traveling.
She is survived by her daughter, Arolyn Garrity and husband, Larry, of Otis; grandchildren, Reid Garrity and wife, Christine, of Castine and Ryan Garrity and wife, Briana, of Ellsworth; great-grandchildren, Sydney and Carter, both of Ellsworth, and Charlotte of Castine; also many nieces and nephews She was predeceased by her husband, Allan; and sisters, Evelyn Fisher Sturke and Dorothy Fisher Whitney.
Calling hours will be held noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St., Ellsworth, where a memorial service will be held 1 p.m. with the Rev. Emily Taylor officiating. Contributions may be made in Beth’s memory to Grand Chapter of Maine, Permanent Heart Fund, Corley Anne Byras, Grand Secretary, P.O. Box 119, Bowdoinham, ME 04008. Condolences may be expressed at
www.jordanfernald.com.