Toots Gardner

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Mrs. Virginia Lee “Toots” Gardner, 86, of Pineville, Missouri, departed this life on Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in the comfort of her home after a courageous battle with cancer.

Virginia entered this life on February 16, 1934, in Anderson, Missouri, the only daughter born to the late William and Marie (Perry) Shaver. She was raised and attended school in Anderson and was a lifelong resident of McDonald County. 

On March 6, 1949, in Anderson, Missouri, she was united in marriage to Wesley Eugene “Gene” Gardner and to this union two daughters and one son were born. Early on she worked as a secretary for Dr. Fountain in Noel, owner operator of a chicken breeder farm as well as owner with her husband in the operation of Gardner Service Station & Towing. Virginia was a talented crafter making numerous items that she shared with her family and friends. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, attending arts & craft fairs and family get togethers. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Ern Clark; her husband of sixty-five years, Gene Gardner on August 25, 2014; and a brother, George Shaver.

Toots is survived by her three children, Rita Stephens and husband, Rick, of Rocky Comfort, Jerry Gardner and wife, Peggy, of Anderson and Betty Pruitt and husband, Audie, of Jane; eight grandchildren, Richard Stephens, Brian Stephens, Angie Pruitt, Sarah Gardner, Stephanie Buchanan, Daniel Gardner, Michael Stephens and Valerie Armbrister; twenty great grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Graveside services are 9:00 a.m. Friday, July 17, 2020 at Pineville Cemetery with Galeon Smith officiating. 

Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Richard Stephens, Brian Stephens, Daniel Gardner, Ethan Creason, Michael Stephens, Dustin Allison, Kyla Buchanan and Isaac Stephens with Dylan Allison, Harley Stephens and Bentley Stephens serving as honorary pallbearers. 

Friends may pay their respects on Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the Anderson Chapel of the Ozark Funeral Homes. Memorials are being directed to the Pineville Cemetery Care Fund c/o the funeral home. On-line condolences may be sent to the family through our website, www.ozarkfuneralhome.com. 

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of the Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.