Jo Gardner

(From Parker Mortuary)

Joan (Jo or JoJo) J. Gardner, age 90 years of Holts Summit, Mo., passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2022, surrounded by her friends and family, at Valley Park Retirement Center.

She was born December 18, 1931 in Wichita, Kansas, daughter of Elizabeth Knapp.

Jo was a 1949 graduate of Joplin High School in Joplin, Mo.

She was married on March 18, 1950 in Joplin, MO. to Raymond (Rudy) A. Gardner, and lived in Joplin until 2013.

Jo was an active member of Blendville Christian Church in Joplin, MO until she moved to Jefferson City, MO in 2013 to be near her daughter, Deborah J. (Gardner) Frala.

Jo’s life revolved around her family and she was always supporting them through their struggles and achievements in life. Her favorite activities involved spoiling her grandson, helping and caring for other people, mowing yards, and providing day care for working neighbors. All these people and children have been fondly remembered until her death. She will be long remembered for here thoughtful, kind and generous nature.

Survivors include one niece, Kathie Gardner Brooks and her husband, Jim, of Liberty, MO; two nephews, Jim Gardner and his wife Theresa, of Bella Vista, Ark. and Steven Gardner and his wife Margo, of Joplin, MO; one grandson, Brian Frala and his wife Heather, of Jefferson City, MO; one great granddaughter, Maddi Gil of Jefferson City, MO; and one son-in-law, Ronald L. Frala and his wife Judy, of Holts Summit, MO.

Jo was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Gardner; her daughter Deborah Frala, and one nephew, Mickey Gardner

Graveside services will be held at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 9, 2022, with the Reverend Larry Richardson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Blendville Christian Church in Joplin, MO.

Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Parker Mortuary, Joplin.