Joan Evelyn Gardner, formerly of Benton

Joan Evelyn Gardner, 87, of Imperial, Mo., passed away Wednesday evening, Jan. 12, 2022, at her home.

Mrs. Gardner was born in Benton on Feb. 9, 1934, the daughter of William Edward and Mila Lee (Hall) Vantrease.

She married Donald Allen Gardner Aug. 27, 1960, and he preceded her in death Aug. 7, 2005.

Mrs. Gardner was a retired government worker who enjoyed reading and spending time with her family. She was a devoted and loving mother and proud grandma.

Mrs. Gardner is survived by her son, Alan E. Gardner; son James M. Gardner, wife Kellie L. (Mueller) and their daughter, Ariel R. Gardner; and daughter Vicki K. (Gardner) Theiss, husband Jason W. Theiss, and their children Katelyn C. Theiss, Kristen N. Theiss and Justin A. Theiss.

Mrs. Gardner was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brother and sister-in-law James Curtis Vantrease and Barbara Jeanne (Huffstutler) Vantrease; and sister and brother-in-law Mildred Esteleda (Vantrease) Fletcher and Harvie David Fletcher.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22 at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Rev. Mark Minor officiating. Burial will be in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. For more information or to send online condolences, visit mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.