Ruth Gardner

Ruth Carol Gardner, of Mexia, passed away from a long-term illness on June 11, 2021 in Waco, Texas at the age of 75.  Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 15, 2021 at the Christ Gospel Fellowship Church with Pastor Stephen Dubois officiating.  Interment will follow in the Mexia Cemetery.

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

Ruth was born June 2, 1946 in Alpena, Michigan to William and Arlene V. (Keetch) Wilder.  She has 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 grandmother 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, TX; daughter, Anne Elaine Gardner of Folsom, CA; grandchildren, Rachel Anne Gardner and Kaden Micah Crose; brothers, Richard Wilder of Greenville, TX and Robert Wilder of Palestine, TX; sisters, Debra Myers of Bryan, TX and Kathryn Budzisz; and numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends who were family at heart. She will be sorely missed.