In Loving Memory of Elizabeth Kent

Elizabeth Ann (Gardner) Kent, age 59, passed away on April 27, 2018 in Colorado Springs.

Elizabeth was born on September 8, 1958 in Colorado Springs to Joe Bob and Peggy Joyce (Mead) Gardner. She graduated from Wasson High School and spent a year at Colorado State University and worked as a receptionist and office manager in the medical industry.

Liz was a happy, curious little girl, the youngest of four; there might have been a little spoiling, but not too much. She was a charming, social child who made friends easily, forging friendships early on which lasted for the rest of her life. She was a good and loyal friend who would do anything for those she loved, and they supported and loved her in return; some traveled from Virginia more than once to spend time with her during this last difficult time.

One of her dear friends owned a plant nursery, and it was here that Liz really bloomed. She worked there every spring, tending the plants and bringing them to the markets. Her garden was her happy place. She also grew vegetables, especially tomatoes and cucumbers, which she canned making pickles, stewed tomatoes, and salsa.

Liz loved her family; her son Hunter was the light of her life, and she loved her stepson Jay and her stepdaughter Nicci as if they were her own. She loved spending time with her grandchildren.  Her relationships with her ex-husband Andy and his family remained close throughout her life and considered them her Virginia family.  Later in life Liz became the apple of Terry Henline’s eye. Though they never officially married, Liz and Terry were very happy together. Liz went to heroic lengths caring for Terry a few years ago when his health took a turn for the worse, even as she was battling her first round of cancer. He passed away in 2016.

She was very grateful to her Mother, David and Cindy and dearly loved them for making it possible to return to Colorado Springs to spend her final time with them.  She came to love her sister more than she could ever imagine.  She knew she was blessed to have a sister who cared and loved her through her difficult journey.

These many blessings came, Liz knew, from the Lord; she loved singing praise songs at church or just singing along with the radio.

Liz had a wonderful day just a week before she passed; she was able to go to the Butterfly Pavilion in Denver and spend the day among the beautiful, delicate creatures and tropical plants she loved so well. Her hair was purple – her favorite color – and she wore temporary butterfly tattoos. That day was a treasure for her and for her family.

Elizabeth leaves behind many who cherished her and were loved deeply by her in return: her son, Austin Hunter Kent; her stepson James Andrew Kent, Jr.; her stepdaughter Jennifer Nicole (Kent) Hellmig; her grandchildren, Drew Kent, Jacob Kent and MacKenzie Hellmig; her mother, Peggy Gardner; her brother, David Harlan Gardner (Ruth); her sister, Cynthia Kay Gardner (Barnwell); her nephew, Benjamin Gardner; her niece, Stephanie Gardner; many beloved aunts, uncles and cousins; her ex-husband and dear friend Andy Kent; and many much-loved friends.

Gone before her are her father, Joe Bob Gardner; her brother, Bryan Scott Gardner; her grandparents, James Earl and Opal Iris Mead and Merv and Blanch Putty; and her significant other, Terry Henline.

Her family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all the friends and family who helped Liz through this journey; to Grace On Wings, who provided medical transport to bring her back to Colorado; (and the hospice team who cared for her.)

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in her memory to Pikes Peak Hospice www.pikespeakhospice.org

Services are under the direction of Return to Nature Funeral Home, Colorado Springs, Colorado www.returntonaturecolorado.com