Francis Xavier Gardner, 79, of Slippery Rock died Sunday morning in the Presbyterian hospital in Pittsburgh following an extended illness. He was born May 26, 1867 in New Castle to the late William and Effie Ralston Gardner. A stone-mason by trade, he spent most of his life in Lawrence and Butler counties. Survivors include son, Xavier H. Gardner of Slippery Rock; daughters, Mrs. Margaret Sankey and Mrs. Susie Campbell, both of Slippery Rock and Mrs. Anna Beachem of Butler; 30 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death eight years ago by his wife of 57 years, the former Susan Grossman, and also by six children. Interment in the U.P. Cemetery at West Sunbury, PA.