Audrey Gartner

Audrey Katherine Scott Gartner of rural Ayr and Hastings passed away March 23, 2026, at Bergen Mercy Hospital in Omaha. Memorial services will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Lance Clay officiating at First United Methodist Church, 614 N. Hastings Ave. Interment will be private at Blue Valley Cemetery near Ayr.

Audrey was born December 4, 1947, in Grand Island, Nebraska, to Leonard Edwin and Norma Mae (Wilcox) Scott. She was a Girl Scout and attended school in Grand Island, graduating from Grand Island Senior High School in 1966. After high school, Audrey worked at Gibsons and later Tempo department store in Hastings.

While working at Tempo, she met Dale Gartner, an advertising man for The Hastings Tribune. In 1970, she became Society, Food, and Fashion Editor for the Tribune. Largely self-taught in journalism, she spent countless hours studying in the Tribune library while writing feature stories and columns. Her work and talent earned her recognition in Who’s Who of American Women. Audrey and Dale were married September 25, 1971.

In 1975, Audrey and Dale opened Dale Men’s Apparel, later sold to what is now known as Gary Michaels. Audrey apprenticed with a German tailor and became a highly talented tailor. After selling the store, she started her own business, Audrey’s Tailor Shop. She also designed and made her own quilts and was featured in a national mini quilt magazine.

Audrey became a nationally certified EMT and assisted during the 1980 Grand Island tornado outbreak. She was a judge for the Miss America Jr. Miss pageant and was active in Hastings Community Theatre. Audrey was a member of Mary Lanning Hospital Auxiliary, the Christian Women’s Club, Grand Island Quilt Club, and was a charter member of the Women’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce.

Audrey loved decorating, art, music, traveling, gardening, and spending time outdoors. She was an amazing cook, a talented gardener, and found joy in working with her hands while caring for her home and yard. She carried herself with grace, honesty, and integrity and was known for her generous spirit, creativity, and deep love for her family. She was especially cherished by her father-in-law, Walter, with whom she shared a special bond.

Above all, Audrey was a devoted mother who loved her children deeply and supported them throughout their lives. She kept things running with care, strength, and quiet determination. She held high standards not only for herself, but for those around her, always encouraging others to do their best. Audrey was the foundation of her family and will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, strength, and many talents.

Audrey and Dale were members of First United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Diane Scott; stepbrother, David Rothrock; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Lois and Joseph DeMuth; brother-in-law, Bob Rohrs; nephew, Davey Rothrock; and parents-in-law, Walter and Lenore Gartner.

She is survived by her husband, Dale; children, Joseph (Bridget), Sarah, Andrew (Jennifer), and Elizabeth; sister, Norma Kay; sister-in-law, Doris Rohrs; and grandchildren, Gabrielle, Emily, Aiden, Isabelle, and Zachary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to 220 N. Lincoln Ave., Hastings, NE 68901.