Vera Edith McClane Gardner

Vera Edith McClane Gardner, 84, of Springfield, passed away on Friday, March 15, 2019.
Gardner, the daughter of George A. and Lilie (Cloer) McClane, was born in Fresno, Calif., on Aug. 29, 1934. Gardner married James A. Gardner on Aug. 29, 1954, enjoying over 64 years together.
Gardner, a graduate of Fresno Roosevelt High School in 1952, was a classically trained pia- nist who played regularly for several churches. Growing up in her father’s
greenhouse business contributed to he affinity for gardening. Not long af- ter marrying Jim and having Daniel, they moved to Walnut Grove, where she was a bookkeeper for the local MFA, then a coast-to-coast trucker with Jim. Gardner finished her work- ing life as a school bus driver for Walnut Grove schools. Upon retirement, she and Jim took their RV around the United States, including trips to Canada and Mexico.
Gardner was preceded in death by her parents; son, Daniel Gardner; brother, Lelend McClane; and sister, Barbara McClane.
Gardner is survived by her husband, Jim of the home; daughter, Deborah Edie and husband Mansel of Everton; grandchildren, Kenneth Gardner and wife Shelly of Republic, Michael Cooksey of Springfield, Michelle Inglett and husband Scott of Willard; great- grandchildren, Hunter Gardner, Tyler Inglett, Alyssa Taylor, Alec Inglett; great-great grandchild, Titus Taylor; sister, Vestal Rose of Texas; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and many friends.
Visitation was Tuesday, March 19, 2019 from 6-8 p.m in the Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Walnut Grove. Private burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Gardner’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and may be left at the funeral home.