Irene Chimburas Gardner

Irene Chimburas Gardner, age 84, of Whiterocks, passed peacefully from this life on September 13, 2026, at The Villa in Roosevelt, Utah, leaving behind a legacy of love, cultural pride, and quiet strength that touched everyone who knew her.

Born October 24, 1941 in Fort Duchesne, Utah, she was the third daughter of Smith Appawoots Chimburas and Grace Bascomb Chimburas. A beautiful and gracious woman, Irene dedicated her life to teaching and nurturing young children. After attending Utah State University and earning a Child Development Associate’s degree, she taught at the Ute Tribe Head Start program, shaping countless lives with her patience, kindness, and unwavering commitment to their growth.

Irene's devotion to family was the heart of her life. She was a loving mother, aunt, sister, and relative whose care extended across generations. She grew up among a large and cherished family, surrounded by brothers and sisters who adored her. Her calm and caring disposition made her a refuge for those who needed comfort, guidance, or simply someone to listen. To her nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended relatives, Irene was a steady source of encouragement, protection, and unconditional love. Her family circle was vast, and she embraced each member – immediate and extended– as part of her daily life and identity.

Deeply connected to her Noochu (Ute) heritage, Irene valued the traditions, teachings, and ceremonies of her people. She often shared memories of the Bear Dance, Sundance, and other cultural gatherings, teaching her family not only the meaning of these events but also how to conduct themselves with respect, humility, and gratitude. Her cultural teachings remain a lasting gift, grounding her family in identity, tradition, and pride.

Irene was also a devout Episcopalian and an active member of St. Elizabeth's in Whiterocks. Her faith was a source of strength and purpose, and she lived it with sincerity, compassion, and grace.

Irene is survived by her son, Wayne Gardner and his wife, September, and their children, Kiyamesha, Diana (Henry) Azouggagh, Shawsheen (Gary) John, Tirrell (Latasha) Gardner, Joshua Gardner, Troy Gardner; grandchildren, Cecelia, Robert, Leander, Amber, Jane, Alban, Ian, Mila, Teagan, Brighton, Gunther, Terron, Azra, Tetona, Xena Rose, Snyder grandchildren; her brother, Phillip Chimburas; sisters, Geneva Chimburas, Pauline Checora Black, Marion Serawaop; her nieces, Maclovia, Darrina, Jacqueline, Phileen, Demi, Petulia, Dorthela, Carla Rae, Kora, Nancy, Lelanie, Dixie, Stefanie, Fawn; nephews, Adam, Aaron, Greg, Carlo, Clark, Travis, Jerry, as well as many great-nieces and great-nephews: Ione Louie-McGee, Red Sky Chimburas, Lakota Chimburas, Wambli Chimburas, Juan Chimburas, Tyler Greymoutain, Ceylon Greymountain, Adrian Stevens, Ian Chas Stevens, Shaundeen White, Ceril J White, Lathanial White, Rachelle White, Denyce White, Blue Sky White, Dion Martinez, Adrian Martiez, Blue Martinez, Khler Evans, Daelyn Reed-Bascomb, Elton Kowchee, Marlita Sleeper, Shon Sleeper, Kathleena Kowchee, Adriana Kowchee, Ledrian Kowchee, Kiera Walker, Thalis Walker, Malloree Serawop, Johnny Roberts, Kelly Roberts, Kelsie Montana, Devin Montana, Dion Nicholson, Sharalyn Boyd, Virgil Boyd, Sonya Boyd, Perrylyn Tapoof, all who loved and cared for her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Amelia Chimburas, Dennis Chimburas, Evelyn Tallbear and Mary C. White; aunts, Cora Bascomb, Bertha Chimburas Yump, Millie Tapoof, Ethel Tapoof; Lorna Bear, Alice Bascomb Sireech Provo Cuch, Ruth Quinn Cuch, Tillie Tapoof, Colleen Redfoot, Janet Cuch, Dolly Cuch, Cecelia Cuch, Marion Wall, Sandy Pike; uncles, Bert Tapoof; Leo Tapoof, Robert Tapoof, George Sireech, Julius Sireech, Charles Sireech, Vincent Sireech, Stanford Cornpeach; her daughter, Vickie Snyder; her son, Whitney Gardner; her nieces Marlita, Leanne Thompson, Judith Redfoot, Cynthia Redfoot; and nephews Dennis, Howard, Adrian "Smitty", Silas, Darren Redfoot, and Duane "Parker" Redfoot.

In addition, Irene leaves behind a large extended family of cousins and relatives; who were woven into her daily life and regarded as part of her immediate family. Their love, presence, and shared history were central to Irene's world, and each of them carries forward her memory with deep affection and gratitude.

Loved by many and remembered by all, Irene's life was one of service, devotion, cultural pride, and gentle strength. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the children she taught, and the community she uplifted. Her memory will remain a blessing and a guiding light for generations to come.

The family of Irene Chimburas Gardner wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude for your prayers, support, and presence. Thank you for honoring her life and legacy.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Whiterocks. There will be a wake on Wednesday after 4:00 p.m. at the Whiterocks Community Building.

Burial will be in the Ft. Duchesne Cemetery.