Carol A. Gardner of Nixa, MO passed away Friday, March 1, 2019. She was born in Independence, KS February 12, 1939 to Charles Edward Clay and Lola Maxine Lindley Clay.

Carol was raised in Andover, KS. She graduated from Andover High School in 1957. In November 1958, on a blind date, she met and fell in love with Oness Neill Gardner.   He was the love of her life and they married 3 months later on February 7, 1959. The majority of their lives they lived in Andover, KS. They moved to Nixa, MO in 2015. Carol and Neill had five children. She was her daughters' number one fan at all of their volleyball and basketball games and track meets throughout their Junior High and High School years. She was also incredibly proud of the woodworking skills and art talents of her two sons.

Carol was an amazing mom and homemaker. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, sewing and crocheting. Countless people were blessed by her meals and hospitality. Carol gave away many hand made dishrags to friends and family. She nurtured and cared for children in her home for several years until she began working in the school cafeteria. She worked in the food service for the Andover schools for 13 years. After Carol retired, one of her favorite things to do in the spring and summer was planting and taking care of her flowers. Her flowers always brought so much joy and beauty to her home. Another favorite hobby she had was feeding and watching the birds in her backyard.

Carol was a genuine servant to the core. She loved the Lord with all her heart, soul, mind and strength and it showed in her daily life. Everyone she met was touched by her gentle, quiet, compassionate and loving spirit. Her smile and laughter were contagious. She was a member of the Union Hill Church of Christ. She volunteered weekly at the church clothing giveaways, and participated in monthly worship services at the Castlewood Nursing Home in Nixa. As most everyone knows, Carol loved to sing. Many family gatherings included a time of singing favorite hymns. Her beautiful alto voice was admired by many.

Carol is survived by her husband of 60 years, Neill; her children Coy Gardner and wife, Darlene, of Taylor, Michigan; Lynette Wheeler and husband, Barry, of Paragould, Arkansas; Charles Gardner and wife Kandee, of Sedgwick, Kansas; Onetta Hammitt and husband, Bill, of Nixa, Missouri; two brothers, David Clay of Wichita, Kansas and Ron Clay and wife, Sue, of Wichita, Kansas; 13 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Carol is preceded in death by both her parents, Charles and Maxine Clay; a brother, Jim Clay; a daughter, Kim Coplan; and two granddaughters, Tina Stilwell and Lauren Wheeler. Memorial donations may be made in Carols honor to either Fair Haven Children's Home (3132 North Fair Haven Loop, Strafford, MO 65757) or Children's Homes Inc. (5515 Walcott Rd, Paragould, AR 72450).

A visitation will be held at 1:00 p.m. followed by a memorial celebration at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Union Hill Church of Christ, Nixa.