Lillian Grace Gardner was ushered into the arms of our Lord on November 30, 2018 – just 50 days short of her 100th birthday. She was born on January 19, 1919 in Franklin County, Kentucky, the youngest of 6 children of the Emerson family. She served with her husband in the ministry in Mason, Kentucky, Alexandria, KY and Blanchester, OH.
She was the wife of the late Pastor James K. Gardner. Many people often stated that she was a perfect example of a “Proverbs 31 woman;” caring for her home and family, loving others, serving the Lord and working in the church. She was a “home missionary” – always telling others about our Lord and Savior.
She carried this ministry from her early years as a pastor’s wife – all the way through life at Venetian Gardens where she resided the past 8 years. She sincerely loved people and told many about her Savior. Mom had a very long prayer list that she talked to her Lord about each day.
At the top of this list was her family. She is the precious mother of Ruth Ann (Mike) Kelly and the late Laura Belle (late Bud) Coleman; her 7 grandchildren: Melanie (late Jerry) Bryant, Marla (David) Veatch, Jay (Brenda) Griffin, Jenifer (Darryl) Neltner, Howie (Amy) Coleman, Bryan (Denette) Coleman and Dawn Wrobleski; her 15 great-grandchildren (with 7 spouses) and 18 great-great-grandchildren, for a total of 56 surviving relatives, who all adored her. Her last words as we crowded around her bed were “How blessed can a grandmother be!
” How blessed we were to have a praying mother! Lillian was a member of the Welcome Baptist Church and she loved her church. For this reason she would desire that contributions go there so that others might hear of Jesus.
In lieu of flowers, love gifts may be sent to their Missionary Fund at 2026 Cemetery Rd. , Goshen, OH 45122. But better still, she would be elated if you visited the church and dropped a love gift marked for “Missions” in the offering plate.
Our family would like to express our sincere and deepest appreciation to Bella Hospice for their amazing loving care and assistance in Mom’s last days. We thank the staff at Venetian Gardens who were dedicated to her care and comfort. We also want to thank her church family and Pastor, Bro.
Michael Tripp, and their beautiful family, and the many, many frequent visitors. She loved your visits. Visitation will be held at Tufts Schildmeyer Funeral Home, 1668 St. Rt.
28, Goshen on Tuesday, December 4, 5 PM – 8 PM, where services will be held on Wednesday, December 5, 11 AM. Burial will follow at Myers Cemetery, Goshen. Pallbearers will be: Howie Coleman, Jay Griffin, Bryan Coleman, Darryl Neltner, DJ Veatch (for his Dad) and Michael Coleman.
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