RUTH CAROL GARDNER

Ruth Carol Gardner, of Mexia, passed away from a longterm illness on June 11, 2021, in Waco, at the age of 75. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 15, at the Christ Gospel Fellowship Church, with Pastor Stephen Dubois officiating. Interment will follow at the Mexia Cemetery.

Visitation with the family was to be 5-7 p.m., Monday, at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home.

Ruth was born June 2, 1946, in Alpena, Mich., to William and Arlene V. (Keetch) Wilder. She had been a resident of Mexia for many years. She returned to school in her 50s to continue her education and earned a Masters in English, earning several Who’s Who awards in the process.

Ruth was first and foremost a loving mother of two children and even prouder grand mother of three. She enjoyed crocheting, creating blankets for her children and grandchildren; reading; baking; and had an incredible love for animals, especially cats. Ruth’s life revolved around not only her family, but her love for the Lord and her church family. She was a member of the Christ Gospel Fellowship Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Arlene Wilder; grandson Christopher Mark Gardner; sisters Clara Jane Stuck and Judith Elaine Cahoon.

Ruth is survived by her son, LeRoy “Mark” Gardner of China Spring; daughter Anne Elaine Gardner of Folsom, Calif.; grandchildren Rachel Anne Gardner and Kaden Micah Crose; brothers Richard Wilder of Greenville, and Robert Wilder of Palestine; sisters Debra Myers of Bryan, and Kathryn Budzisz; and numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends who were family at heart. She will be sorely missed.

Visit www.blair-stubbs.com to leave the family a message of condolence or sign the guestbook.