Veronica F. "Verney" Gardiner, 85, of Huber Heights, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2009 at Spring Creek Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Verney was formerly a registered nurse at Maria Joseph Living Care Center, attended St. Peter Catholic Church, was a graduate of St. Francis School of Nursing in Pennsylvania, a Second Lieutenant in the USAF and was the chairman of volunteers for the American Red Cross at Incirlik Air Base in Turkey. She was preceded in death by her son, Paul T. Gardiner in 1982; parents, John and Anna Swatko; sisters, Helen Holton and Margaret Volinski; and brother, John Swatko. Verney is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Lt. Colonel Billie V. Gardiner USAF Retired; son, John W. Gardiner of Huber Heights; other relatives and friends. Mass of Christian Burial held 10:30 a.m. Jan. 28 at St. Peter Catholic Church, 6161 Chambersburg Rd., with Father Patrick McMullen celebrant. Interment Memorial Park Cemetery. The family received friends at the Marker & Heller Funeral Home, Huber Heights Chapel, 5844 Old Troy Pike from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday.