Shari Delp Gardner
Shari Delp Gardner, 67, passed away on November 26, 2020. Born August 2, 1953, to Jack and Donna Delp, Shari was raised on the ranch south of Hardin. She graduated from Hardin High School in 1972, and from Montana State University 1976 with a BS in Physical Education and from University of Montana in 1988; but she was always a Bobcat at heart.
Shari was an avid roper and barrel racer in which she excelled in both. She was active in high school rodeo, winning the State All-Around Girl’s Championship and saddle in 1972. Shari made the Montana State Rodeo team all four years winning many regional awards and continued to rodeo for another fifteen years in Montana and surrounding states. Shari was also a member of the Denver Star Team Rodeo that won the first National Championship over Tulsa. Throughout the many years of rodeo Shari received many saddles, buckles, trophies, and a trailer. Shari loved to rope and made sure to pass that on to her sons the second they were able to pick up a rope.
In 1989, Shari married Raymond Gardner of Arlee. They raised three boys on the ranch north of Winnett where Shari taught Title One and P.E for 22 years. Shari loved the ranch and everything that came along with it, especially her horses, which she looked forward to breeding, raising, and riding. Shari could be seen watching her boys rope at every rodeo across the state, beaming with pride at the legacy she had created.
For the last few years Shari enjoyed her retirement on the ranch and her winter getaway to Arizona where she was able to enjoy the warmth and the company of good friends. Shari loved her family, horses, dogs, and the ranch. She was a devout Christian and strong in her faith until God called her home.
Shari is survived by her husband of 31 years, Raymond Gardner; her children, Kale Gardner of Arlee, Colt (Kelsey) Gardner of Spearfish, and Jade Gardner of Winnett; her mother, Donna Delp of Ballantine; her brothers, Dean (Janie) Delp of Hardin, Lyle (Zale) Delp of Wittmann; and grandchildren Chaz, Maeleigh and Chief; mother and father-in-law, Richard and Ivy Gardner of Shepherd; sister, Teri Weingart and family; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Shari is preceded in death by her father, Jack Delp.
Services will be held in the spring. Donations in Shari’s memory are suggested to the University of Montana – Western Rodeo Team or Gateway Christian Center memo line Rivers of Living Waters and may be left at Creel Funeral Home.
