Vera Edith McClane Gardner, 84, of Springfield, passed away, on Friday, March 15, 2019.
Vera the daughter of George A. and Lilie (Cloer) McClane, was born in Fresno, CA, on August 29, 1934. Vera married James A. Gardner on August 29, 1954, enjoying over 64 years together.
Vera, a graduate of Fresno Roosevelt High School in 1952, was a Classically trained pianist who played regularly for several churches. Growing up in her father's greenhouse business contributed to Vera's affinity for gardening. Not long after marrying Jim and having Daniel, they moved to Walnut Grove, Mo where she was a bookkeeper for the local MFA, then a coast-to-coast trucker with Jim. Vera finished her working 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. She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.
Vera was preceded in death by her parents; son, Daniel Gardner; brother, Lelend McClane; and sister, Barbara McClane.
Vera 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 TX; several nieces, nephews, cousins, other family and many friends.
Visitation will be Tuesday, March 19, 2019 from 6:00PM-8:00PM in the Wilson-Griffin Funeral Home, Walnut Grove, MO. Private burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Vera's name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital and may be left at the funeral home.